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#43 Solar ROI State

Solar Panel ROI in South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota averages 1,350 kWh per installed kW per year. At $12.8¢/kWh average utility rates, a 7 kW system produces a 25-year NPV of $4,943.

$13,965
System Cost (After Credits)
$4,943
25-Year NPV
11 years
Payback Period
$0.152/kWh
Solar LCOE

Solar Cost Breakdown in South Dakota

7 kW system (2.85/W)$19,950
Federal ITC (30%)-$5,985
Net Cost$13,965

Solar Production in South Dakota

South Dakota receives an average of 1,350 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year, based on NREL PVWatts data for a south-facing system at 20° tilt. A 7 kW system produces approximately 9,450 kWh in year one, declining by 0.5% annually due to panel degradation.

At South Dakota's average residential rate of $12.8¢/kWh with 4% annual escalation, first-year savings are $1,210. The solar LCOE of $0.152/kWh is -19% below the current utility rate and stays fixed while utility rates continue to climb.

Net Metering in South Dakota

Net metering available for investor-owned utilities

Solar FAQ for South Dakota

How much does solar cost in South Dakota?
A typical 7 kW residential solar system in South Dakota costs $19,950 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC, the net cost drops to $13,965.
What is the solar payback period in South Dakota?
Based on the average SD utility rate of $12.8¢/kWh and local solar irradiance of 1,350 kWh/kW/year, a 7 kW system typically pays for itself in 11 years. The 25-year NPV is $4,943.
Does South Dakota have net metering?
Net metering available for investor-owned utilities
What is the LCOE of solar in South Dakota?
The levelized cost of solar energy in South Dakota is approximately $0.152/kWh, compared to the current average utility rate of $12.8¢/kWh. Solar electricity costs -19% less than grid electricity at today's rates, and the gap widens as utility rates rise.
How much electricity does a solar panel produce in South Dakota?
South Dakota receives approximately 1,350 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year. A 7 kW system produces about 9,450 kWh in its first year, enough to offset 90% of the average U.S. household's electricity consumption.

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Solar ROI in Similar States

Indiana

NPV: $4,436 · Payback: 13yr
Rate: $14.2¢/kWh · #35 ranked

Idaho

NPV: $1,451 · Payback: 15yr
Rate: $10.2¢/kWh · #36 ranked

Montana

NPV: $3,189 · Payback: 13yr
Rate: $11.8¢/kWh · #37 ranked

Arkansas

NPV: $3,007 · Payback: 14yr
Rate: $11.2¢/kWh · #38 ranked

Nebraska

NPV: $4,129 · Payback: 13yr
Rate: $11.8¢/kWh · #39 ranked

Mississippi

NPV: $5,436 · Payback: 11yr
Rate: $12.2¢/kWh · #40 ranked

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