Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rapid Valley, SD (2024 Update)

  • Rapid Valley Solar Installation Cost: $21,291
  • 25-Year Savings: $31,521
  • Payback Period: 11.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rapid Valley

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Rapid Valley.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Rapid Valley generally cost about 4.Since a 8.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Rapid Valley, the average price of going solar will be about $21,291 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Rapid Valley depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $20,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Rapid Valley find going solar can pay off big.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Rapid Valley

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-19,655
3 years $-16,385
5 years $-13,114
7 years $-9,843
9 years $-6,573
11 years $-3,302
13 years $-32
15 years $3,239
17 years $6,510
19 years $9,780
21 years $13,051
23 years $16,322
25 years $19,592

Top Solar Installers in Rapid Valley

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Rapid Valley

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rapid Valley

While the average cost of a solar system in Rapid Valley is $21,291, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Rapid Valley average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Rapid Valley homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can impact the cost. Rapid Valley’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $16,662 12.1 years
8 kW $3.65 $20,449 $22,616 11.9 years
10 kW $3.58 $25,060 $28,772 11.6 years
12 kW $3.51 $29,471 $35,127 11.4 years
14 kW $3.44 $33,681 $41,684 11.2 years
16 kW $3.37 $37,690 $48,440 10.9 years
18 kW $3.29 $41,499 $55,398 10.7 years
20 kW $3.22 $45,108 $62,555 10.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Rapid Valley, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Rapid Valley, SD Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rapid Valley?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Rapid Valley?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Rapid Valley. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is it worth going solar in Rapid Valley?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.

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.

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