Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dell Rapids, SD (2024 Update)
- Dell Rapids Solar Installation Cost: $22,145
- 25-Year Savings: $22,063
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dell Rapids
We break down average solar pricing in Dell Rapids.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Dell Rapids is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 8.8-kW system would cost about $22,145 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Dell Rapids homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Dell Rapids for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Dell Rapids
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,687 |
| 3 years | $-17,770 |
| 5 years | $-14,853 |
| 7 years | $-11,936 |
| 9 years | $-9,019 |
| 11 years | $-6,102 |
| 13 years | $-3,185 |
| 15 years | $-268 |
| 17 years | $2,649 |
| 19 years | $5,566 |
| 21 years | $8,483 |
| 23 years | $11,400 |
| 25 years | $14,317 |
Top Solar Installers in Dell Rapids
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Dell Rapids
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dell Rapids
The cost of installing a solar system in Dell Rapids can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,580. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Dell Rapids homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Dell Rapids, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $9,381 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $12,909 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $16,637 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $20,566 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $24,695 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $29,025 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $33,556 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $38,286 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
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 Dell Rapids, SD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dell Rapids?
The average cost of solar panels in Dell Rapids is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Dell Rapids?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Dell Rapids is currently $348,832, so you can expect a value of about $14,302 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Dell Rapids is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.