Solar energy has become an increasingly popular and viable option for homeowners in South Dakota, proving to be beneficial in several ways. First and foremost, solar power is a renewable energy source, meaning it is derived from a resource that will never run out - sunlight. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy does not contribute to air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions, making it an environmentally friendly choice for those seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. By installing solar panels on rooftops or in open spaces, homeowners can harness the power of the sun to generate electricity for their homes, thus reducing their reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
In addition to its positive impact on the environment, solar energy can also offer financial benefits to homeowners in South Dakota. With the state's abundant sunshine, solar panels can generate a significant amount of electricity throughout the year, leading to substantial savings on energy bills. By producing their own electricity, homeowners can reduce or even eliminate their dependence on the local utility company, effectively locking in their energy costs and protecting themselves against future price fluctuations. Furthermore, the excess energy generated by solar panels can be fed back into the grid through net metering, allowing homeowners to earn credits or receive payment for the electricity they contribute to the system. This not only helps offset the initial installation costs but also creates a potential source of income in the long run. Moreover, by installing solar panels, homeowners may also be eligible for various financial incentives, tax credits, and grants offered by the state of South Dakota and the federal government, further reducing the overall investment required for going solar.
A peak sun hour is an hour in the day when the intensity of the sunlight reaches an average of 1000 watts/meter².
State Homes Powered by Solar
Growth Projection: 277 MW over the next 5 years
At the most basic level, solar panels are devices that take in the sun’s rays and convert them into electricity or heat. Once the sun hits the panels, the energy is made into electricity. A solar inverter helps turn the electricity into power that can be used. The more panels you have on a roof, the more solar electricity you can produce! Solar panels generate their own power and as a result can offset your monthly electricity bill, if not eliminate it in 97035.
There are 18 solar policies and incentives in the state of South Dakota. These incentives and tax credits help reduce the cost of solar panels in order to promote this source of renewable energy.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory states that every dollar that is saved on energy through solar increases home value by $20 in South Dakota. More research shows that solar panels can add an average of $18,324 to the value of a medium-sized home.