South Dakota / Box Elder
Is solar worth it in Box Elder?
Black Hills Power, Inc. averages 14.4¢/kWh. With 4.8 peak sun hours a day, a typical 7.3 kW system makes ~10,293 kWh a year and saves about $1,479 in year one.
No federal tax credit is included. The 30% homeowner credit (IRS §25D) ended for systems installed after Dec 31, 2025. What changed in 2026 →
How Box Elder compares
That is faster than the South Dakota average of 13.3 years, mainly because Box Elder's rate is above the state average of 12.9¢/kWh. Your own payback depends on your bill: enter your ZIP and monthly bill above for your number.
| Nearby city | Rate | Payback | 25-yr net |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid | 14.4¢ | 11.6 yrs | $33,855 |
| Spearfish | 14.4¢ | 12.0 yrs | $33,377 |
| Pierre | 10.7¢ | 15.6 yrs | $18,727 |
| Huron | 13.6¢ | 13.1 yrs | $29,220 |
| Aberdeen | 14.6¢ | 12.1 yrs | $33,616 |
| Mitchell | 13.6¢ | 12.6 yrs | $30,381 |
| Yankton | 12.4¢ | 13.7 yrs | $25,707 |
| Watertown | 9.3¢ | 17.8 yrs | $12,835 |
Questions
How long does solar take to pay off in Box Elder, SD?
About 11.6 years for a typical 7.3 kW system at 14.4 cents/kWh, assuming $2.75/W installed, full net metering and 3% yearly rate increases, with no federal tax credit.
Is solar worth it in Box Elder?
Often, if you plan to stay long-term. Our estimate is $1,479 saved in year one and $33,855 net over 25 years after paying for the system.
How much does a solar system cost in Box Elder?
A 7.3 kW system sized for an average home (863 kWh/month) is about $20,075 before any local rebates, at $2.75 per watt. Real quotes vary by roof and installer.
Is there a federal solar tax credit in 2026?
Not for homeowners who buy their system. The 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit (IRS section 25D) does not apply to installations completed after December 31, 2025. State rebates, SRECs and utility incentives may still apply.
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