South Dakota Solar Information

South Dakota isn’t a bad state for solar. There’s always enough sunshine to cover your basic energy needs or at least to reduce your monthly electricity bill. The 26% Federal Solar Tax Credit as well as some local incentives will make your solar installation even more profitable.

#23

South Dakota ranks #23 in the USA for savings from installing solar panels
6315.59 kWh

Annual AC energy output of a 4 kW solar system installed in South Dakota
5.27 kWh

Solar Radiation (kWh / m2 / day)
9 ¢ /kWh

The cost of electricity today in Oahe Electric Coop Inc
19 ¢ /kWh

If you don't go solar. The forecast average utility price over the next 25 years

South Dakota Solar Facts

$1.40
Average cost of a 4kw solar power system in 2019.
8 years
Average system payback period.
$37,128.74
Average lifetime savings.
5 ¢ /kWh
Levelized cost of solar energy.
6 kW
Recommended system size.

Choose relevant panels Calculate your system

Solar Power System Cost in South Dakota
$1.40 per watt

Cash purchased solar system

Before the 26% Federal Solar Tax Credit
$8,309.08 total

Estimated system cost

Before the 26% Federal Solar Tax Credit
8 years

Average system payback period

Solar power in South Dakota has high potential but little practical application. The state ranked 50th among U.S. states in installed solar polar in 2015 with no utility-scale or large commercial systems. Photovoltaic panels on rooftops can provide 38.7% of all electricity used in South Dakota using 3,800 MW of solar panels. The state is ranked 14th in the country in solar power potential, and 4th in wind potential.

Offering net metering is required by federal law, but South Dakota is one of only four states to not have adopted a statewide policy on net metering, which means it needs to be negotiated with the utility.

A solar project in Pierre is expected to be online in 2017. It will cost $2 million and cover 5 acres.

Tell us how much you are spending on electricity and we’ll calcalute how much you can save if you go solar

kWH

$ per kWH

According to Oahe Electric Coop Inc, we received the cost of kWH in your area and calculated energy consumption based on an average electricity bill for 3 months.

I am claiming the 26% Federal Tax Credit (ends 2022) i

When you install a solar system, 26% of your project expenses apply toward a credit to offset any taxes you owe that year. This federal tax credit is a major incentive to go solar, but it is going to be phased out by 2024.

To be eligible to claim this credit, you must owe federal taxes.

System size

5.95 kW medium system size

Provides up to 80% of electricity consumption

$1.4 per watt

Average system cost

17 x 350 watt

solar panels
+
17 x 300 watt

microinverter
+
2 x 3 800 watt

inverter

$70.19/ month

Estimated savings on your average quarterly bill

$8,309.08

Estimated system cost
Excludes 26% Federal Tax Credit.
This price does not include the installation cost.
8 years

Average system payback period
$37,128.74

Estimated utility savings

Example of 4 kW system calculation in Minnesota for electricity bill $100

9 ¢ /kWh

The cost of electricity today in Oahe Electric Coop Inc
19 ¢ /kWh

If you don't get solar. The forecast average utility price over the next 25 years
5 ¢ /kWh

levelized cost of solar energy