Solar Panel ROI in South Dakota

· Source: NREL PVWatts

Is solar worth it in SD? Here's what the data says.

1.8x ROI Score
13.9 yrs Payback Period
$1,018/yr Annual Savings
$25,450 25-Year Savings

Your savings estimate

$ /mo bill
Annual savings $1,018
·
Payback 13.9 yrs
·
25-yr savings $25,450

25-Year ROI Timeline

With a 13.9-year payback, your system spends 11.1 years in profit after breaking even.

Payback (13.9 yrs)
Profit (11.1 yrs)
Year 0 Year 6 Year 13 Year 19 Year 25
System Cost $14,200
25-Year Savings $25,450
Net Profit $11,250

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Solar Calculator for South Dakota

Adjust the values below to see your personalized solar ROI estimate.

kW
$
$ /kWh
4.97 kWh/m²/day
Based on NREL data for South Dakota
ROI Score 1.8x
Annual Production 8,486 kWh
Annual Savings $1,018
Payback Period 13.9 years
25-Year Savings $25,450
System Cost $14,200

South Dakota vs National Average

Solar Irradiance: South Dakota vs National Average South Dakota: 4.97 kWh/m²/day National Avg: 5.12 kWh/m²/day
Solar Irradiance 4.97 kWh/m²/day
-3% vs national avg
Payback Period 13.9 years Slower than avg
Electricity Rate $0.120 /kWh Below avg

How We Calculated This

Our solar ROI calculations use data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) PVWatts API, which models solar energy production based on location-specific solar irradiance, weather patterns, and panel tilt angles. We assume a standard 6kW residential system with south-facing panels at optimal tilt.

Electricity rates are sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Annual savings are calculated by multiplying estimated production by the local electricity rate. The ROI score represents total 25-year savings divided by system cost.

These estimates do not include the federal 30% ITC tax credit, state incentives, SRECs, or utility rebates, which can significantly reduce the effective payback period.

Solar ROI by Zip Code in South Dakota

Explore solar data for specific zip codes in South Dakota. Click any zip code for a full local breakdown.

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Solar Outlook for South Dakota

South Dakota receives 4.97 kWh/m²/day — 0.2% above the national average. Lower electricity rates of $0.120/kWh extend the payback to 13.9 years, though the federal 30% ITC and state incentives can meaningfully improve the economics.

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