0 best solar companies in Watertown, South Dakota
Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Watertown, South Dakota, requires you to hire a solar installer that is properly certified, trained and experienced. To help your search for the best installer, we've gathered a list of the highest-ranking solar companies in Watertown.
Prior to selecting an installer, request referrals from others, evaluate potential companies and collect multiple quotes to identify the right company for your needs. You can look for a local solar company in Watertown or pick a well-known national brand.
- Extends 25-year system and labor warranties
- Installs electric vehicle chargers
- Offers strong leasing options
While solar panels require a significant upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long run. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), transitioning to solar energy allows Watertown homeowners to save $1,400 on average each year.
Not every solar company has the same offerings. Prior to scheduling your solar panel installation, look at different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
Find the top solar company for you in Watertown
Search for Watertown solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer feedback on Google Reviews and similar sites. Make sure the company has a favorable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when selecting a solar company.
Look at reviews to understand other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and be on the lookout for mutiple bad reviews.
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What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Watertown?
Places with varying amounts of sun, including those with increased rain or cloud coverage like Watertown, can still utilize solar energy. Here are the biggest reasons for considering solar energy:
- Charge an electric vehicle: With a solar panel system, you can fuel electric vehicles right from your home. Using your own solar power is the surest method to guarantee your electric car is fueled with clean, renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Transitioning to solar lowers your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that generating electricity is a large source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Transitioning to solar lets you cut your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels replaces the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
Facts about Watertown
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Watertown?
Our survey from October 2023 found that the national average price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels depends on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The price rises if you pick any add-ons like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
According to statistics from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the average expense to install solar panels in Watertown is $22,226.
How much can you save by going solar in Watertown?
While installing solar panels requires a major investment to start, you can see considerable savings on your energy bills in the future.
Money savings in Watertown from going solar
In Watertown, you can expect to save money after switching fully to solar. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage influence how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the length of time required for a solar panel system to recover its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which utilize data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Watertown's standard solar payback period is 16 years.
- Annual solar savings in Watertown: Based on calculations that leverage data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy, Watertown homeowners save around $1,365 per year with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After fully switching to solar power, you can anticipate savings of around $19,299 over 25 years, according to our calculations from the EIA and NASA.
Energy savings in Watertown from going solar
Switching to solar not only saves money but also decreases your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 93 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 2325 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Watertown?
Multiple solar incentives are offered to Watertown homeowners. Certain programs are offered to all South Dakota residents, though others vary by municipality, city and utility company.
Accessible solar incentives for South Dakota homeowners, as stated by DSIRE, include:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Renewable Energy System Exemption | $50,000 or 70% of the assessed value of eligible property, whichever is greater, is exempt |
Rebate Program Otter Tail Power Company - Residential and Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Air-Source Heat Pump: $250/ton Cold-Climate Heat Pump: $500 - $700 Geothermal Heat Pump: $900/ton Heaters/Boilers/Furnaces: $500 per unit up to 20 kW, $25/kw on units 21 kW or larger Lighting: Varies Residential Thermal Storage Unit: $50/kW Residential Water Heaters: up to $400 |
Rebate Program Residential Energy Efficiency Rebates (Offered by 12 Utilities) | Clothes Washer: $25 Clothes Dryer: $25 Lighting: Varies Dehumidifier: $25 Dishwasher: $25 Refrigerator: $25 Central A/C: $250 - $450 Room A/C: $25 Central A/C or Heat Pump Tune-Up: $30 Furnace with ECM: $150/unit Air Handler with ECM: $150/unit Air-Source Heat Pump: $250 - $450/unit Geothermal Heat Pump: $200/ton Heat Pump Water Heaters: $250/unit Programmable Thermostat: $25 |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Watertown solar installer?
Before choosing a professional solar panel installation company, go over these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
Your solar panel system's size is contingent upon your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Bigger households use more electricity and might require bigger solar setups. An undersized system might not manage to fully energize your house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project might be subject to relevant codes and permits by your state. You'll need to apply for the required permits from your local building department, as well as schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same amount of sun. Local tree coverage, precipitation and harsh weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks enough sunlight, you may need extra panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
To store additional energy, many panel systems feature a solar battery. This feature becomes critical in cloudy conditions and helps to mitigate power loss. However, using battery storage can result in higher setup expenses.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Several solar panel varieties are available, each varying in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These factors impact pricing, the frequency of replacing panels and space taken on your roof.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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