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 company that is certified, qualified and experienced. To assist your search for the right installer, we've gathered a list of the leading solar companies in Watertown.
Before deciding on an installer, request recommendations from others, vet the installers you're considering and collect quotes from multiple companies to find the one that suits your needs. You can select a local solar company in Watertown or pick a leading national brand.
Even though solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that transitioning to solar energy allows Watertown homeowners to save approximately $1,400 per year.
Solar companies do not all have the same services and products. You should look at different companies and get quotes before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Seek out Watertown solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer testimonials can provide insight into other homeowners' experiences working with the solar company. Consistent poor reviews are worth making a note of as a possible warning sign.
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Places with different sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Watertown, can still benefit from solar power. The top reasons to go solar are:
Based on the results of our survey performed in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation depends on several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you select add-ons like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
Per statistics from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA the mean cost to install solar panels in Watertown is $22,226.
Solar panel installation is a substantial initial investment, but you can expect to see considerable savings reflected in your energy bills with time.
Homeowners in Watertown who transition fully to solar energy can expect to save money. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
Transitioning to solar not only saves money but also reduces your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
Experts Ready to Help
Multiple solar incentives are available to Watertown homeowners. Certain programs are offered to all South Dakota residents, whereas others change by municipality, city and utility company.
According to the DSIRE, these are the solar incentives offered to South Dakota residents:
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. |
Take time to evaluate these questions prior to hiring a solar installation service provider.
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 more substantial solar installations. An undersized system might not manage to fully energize your house.
Specific permits and state or local laws could affect your solar project. You’ll need to apply for the required permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Surrounding trees, rain and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require more panels with a higher wattage.
For extra power storage, a lot of panel systems come equipped with a solar battery. This feature is invaluable in cloudy conditions and helps to prevent power loss. However, opting for battery storage could increase installation costs.
You have choices among solar panel types, as they vary in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These elements can change the cost, how soon you'll need to swap panels and the amount of roof area you'll need.
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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