Solar Panel Cost Guide in Watertown, SD (2024 Update)
- Watertown Solar Installation Cost: $22,226
- 25-Year Savings: $19,299
- Payback Period: 16.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Watertown
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Watertown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Watertown it’s 4 per watt.The average Watertown homeowner needs a 8.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,226 with the federal tax credit, or $31,783 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Watertown based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With typical savings of about $15,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Watertown find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Watertown for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Watertown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-21,010 |
| 3 years | $-18,578 |
| 5 years | $-16,146 |
| 7 years | $-13,714 |
| 9 years | $-11,283 |
| 11 years | $-8,851 |
| 13 years | $-6,419 |
| 15 years | $-3,987 |
| 17 years | $-1,555 |
| 19 years | $876 |
| 21 years | $3,308 |
| 23 years | $5,740 |
| 25 years | $8,172 |
Top Solar Installers in Watertown
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and know-how. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Watertown, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Watertown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Watertown
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Watertown: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Watertown have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $7,457 | 16.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $10,343 | 16.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $13,430 | 16.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $16,718 | 16.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $20,206 | 15.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $23,894 | 15.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $27,783 | 15.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $31,873 | 14.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Watertown, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
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 Watertown, SD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Watertown?
The average cost of solar panels in Watertown is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.