Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dakota Dunes, SD (2024 Update)
- Dakota Dunes Solar Installation Cost: $22,074
- 25-Year Savings: $21,012
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dakota Dunes
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Dakota Dunes.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Dakota Dunes generally cost around 4.The average Dakota Dunes homeowner needs a 8.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,074 with the federal tax credit, or $31,566 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $15,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dakota Dunes find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dakota Dunes
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-21,085 |
| 3 years | $-19,107 |
| 5 years | $-17,129 |
| 7 years | $-15,151 |
| 9 years | $-13,173 |
| 11 years | $-11,195 |
| 13 years | $-9,217 |
| 15 years | $-7,239 |
| 17 years | $-5,260 |
| 19 years | $-3,282 |
| 21 years | $-1,304 |
| 23 years | $674 |
| 25 years | $2,652 |
Top Solar Installers in Dakota Dunes
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Dakota Dunes
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dakota Dunes
The cost of installing a solar system in Dakota Dunes can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Dakota Dunes offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Dakota Dunes, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.72 | $15,637 | $8,713 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $12,018 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $15,524 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $19,230 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $23,136 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $27,243 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $31,551 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $36,059 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Dakota Dunes, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Dakota Dunes, SD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dakota Dunes?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Dakota Dunes?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.