Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pierre, SD (2024 Update)
- Pierre Solar Installation Cost: $21,612
- 25-Year Savings: $25,328
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pierre
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Pierre.
The average cost of solar panels in Pierre is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Pierre is around 8.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $21,612 for a solar installation, or $30,905 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Pierre find going solar can pay off big.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Pierre, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pierre
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,390 |
| 3 years | $-17,946 |
| 5 years | $-15,502 |
| 7 years | $-13,059 |
| 9 years | $-10,615 |
| 11 years | $-8,171 |
| 13 years | $-5,727 |
| 15 years | $-3,284 |
| 17 years | $-840 |
| 19 years | $1,604 |
| 21 years | $4,048 |
| 23 years | $6,492 |
| 25 years | $8,935 |
Top Solar Installers in Pierre
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system 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 Pierre
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pierre
The cost of installing a solar system in Pierre can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,580 per kilowatt in Pierre.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Pierre, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise to factor 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Pierre, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $12,022 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $16,430 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $21,039 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $25,848 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $30,857 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $36,068 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $41,478 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $47,089 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project 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 Pierre, SD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pierre?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Pierre?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Pierre have a net metering program?
Each state has some form 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 electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 household 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.