Choosing the right solar installer in South Dakota can feel overwhelming. There are so many questions to answer before making the decision you can spend hours researching. That’s why we’ve simplified it for you.
Our guide highlights South Dakota’s top-rated solar companies, combining Solar Power Systems expert insights with feedback from locals who’ve made the switch.
No need to surf the web looking for information crumbs to have the big picture. Years in business, reviews from real customers, online reputation, panel brands, warranty, social media overview, and more – we have it all. The hard work is done to help you make the right decision.
We prioritize companies committed to long-term service and reliability. Here’s our list of South Dakota’s most trusted solar installers:
CleanTech Energy Solutions, Inc. review Serving SD County & Beyond, Based in Oceanside CA, 92058
GRNE Solar review Ainsworth, NE, 69210
GRNE Solar is a reputable provider of solar energy solutions, specializing in the design and installation of solar panel systems read more…
GenPro Energy Solutions review 13261 Timberline Plaza Suite B, Piedmont SD, 57769
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, GenPro Energy read more…
What You’ll Actually Pay for Solar Panels in South Dakota
Right now in 2025, you’re looking at somewhere between $2.79 and $2.85 per watt for solar panels in South Dakota. The final price tag depends on your system size, what equipment you choose, and which installer you go with.
Here’s a breakdown of what different system sizes will run you:
| System Size | Price Range (Before Tax Credit) | Average Cost | After 30% Federal Tax Credit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kW | $9,487 – $12,840 | $11,162 | $7,813 | |
| 5 kW | $11,859 – $16,045 | $13,952 | $9,766 | |
| 6 kW | $14,231 – $19,254 | $16,743 | $11,720 | |
| 7 kW | $16,603 – $22,463 | $19,533 | $13,673 | |
| 8 kW | $18,975 – $25,672 | $22,324 | $15,627 | |
| 9 kW | $21,347 – $28,881 | $25,114 | $17,580 | |
| 10 kW | $23,719 – $32,090 | $27,905 | $19,534 | |
| Pricing Disclaimer: The solar panel prices shown are estimates based on data collected from online sources as of October 2025. Actual costs may vary based on your location, system specifications, and installer. | ||||
These numbers include everything—panels, installation, labor, and permits. And keep in mind, South Dakota throws some serious weather at solar systems. We’re talking brutal winters, occasional hailstorms, and temperature swings from -40°F to over 100°F. That’s why quality equipment and experienced installers matter more here than in places with milder weather.
A lot of homeowners wonder if solar actually makes financial sense in South Dakota since we don’t have the state incentives you’ll find in places like California or New York. The answer? It depends on your electricity usage and whether you can take advantage of that federal tax credit before it disappears.
Current Incentives (October 2025)
The Federal Solar Tax Credit: You can deduct 30% of your total solar costs from your federal taxes. But here’s the catch—this credit ends on December 31, 2025. That’s less than two months away as of this writing. If you’ve been thinking about solar, now’s the time to stop thinking and start moving.
State Programs: Unfortunately, South Dakota doesn’t offer much help. No state rebates, no state tax credits, and no mandatory net metering program. What does that mean? When your panels produce more electricity than you’re using, most utilities won’t pay you full retail price for that excess power. Some don’t pay at all. This significantly impacts your potential savings compared to states with better policies.
Finding the Right Solar Installer
Given South Dakota’s challenging weather and lack of state support, picking the right installer isn’t just important—it’s critical. You want someone who understands what panels need to survive here. Look for companies that:
- Know South Dakota weather inside and out: They should understand snow loads, wind ratings, and temperature coefficients without you having to ask.
- Offer comprehensive warranties: Read the fine print on both equipment and installation warranties.
- Give realistic estimates for production: These should be based on real local weather data, not overly optimistic ones.
- Hold proper licenses and insurance: This isn’t optional in South Dakota.
- Can show you references: Ask for contacts from other South Dakota homeowners who’ve had their systems for at least a few years.
What Makes South Dakota Different
A few things make solar here unique compared to other states:
Weather Durability: Your system needs to handle everything from June heat waves to January blizzards. Panels must be rated for heavy snow loads and extreme cold. Cheaper equipment that works fine in Arizona might fail here within a few years. This isn’t the place to cut corners on quality.
Seasonal Production Swings: Summer production in South Dakota is great. Winter? Not so much. This affects how you calculate payback and what size system makes sense. You’ll need to plan for these swings when sizing your system.
No Net Metering Means Battery Storage Makes Sense: Without net metering, you’ve got two choices—use the power when you generate it, or store it in batteries. If you’re home during the day or can run major appliances when the sun’s out, you’re golden. Otherwise, battery storage starts looking pretty attractive despite the added cost.
The Solar Resource Question
South Dakota gets about 5.2 peak sun hours per day on average. That’s actually pretty decent—not Phoenix-level sunshine, but solidly middle-of-the-pack for the U.S. The western part of the state sees slightly more sun than the east.
Here’s something most people don’t realize: our cold temperatures actually help panel efficiency. Solar panels hate heat. They perform better in cool weather, which means South Dakota’s climate partially offsets our northern latitude. Yes, snow can temporarily cover panels in winter, but the rest of the year, our cooler temps give us an edge over hot states like Texas or Florida.
Permits and Utility Hookups: Most cities and counties require building permits, usually running $50-$200. The permitting process varies—Sioux Falls and Rapid City tend to be slower than rural counties simply because they handle more applications.
Connecting to the utility grid is its own adventure. Each electric company has different requirements. Some want production meters, some require panel upgrades. Rural cooperatives often move slower than investor-owned utilities, but they’re generally easier to work with once you get someone on the phone.
Timeline: How Long Does This Actually Take?
If you’re hoping to beat the December 31st tax credit deadline, understand the timeline:
Permits: Count on 2-4 weeks, maybe longer in bigger cities. Don’t assume you can rush this just because there’s a deadline.
Installation: The actual installation only takes 1-3 days once the crew shows up. The catch? Equipment delivery is running 4-8 weeks in 2025 depending on what you order.
Utility Approval: After installation, you need utility sign-off before you can turn the system on. This takes 2-6 weeks typically. Rural co-ops tend to be slower.
Add it all up, and you’re looking at 8-12 weeks from signing a contract to flipping the switch under normal circumstances. Winter installations can stretch these timelines further. Most installers prefer spring and summer installations when roof conditions and weather cooperate.
So… Is It Worth Going Solar in South Dakota?
South Dakota doesn’t make solar easy. We don’t have the flashy rebates, the net metering policies, or the state tax credits that other places offer. But that doesn’t mean it’s a bad investment.
That 30% federal credit? It’s huge. On a typical 5 kW system costing $13,952, you’re cutting the price to $9,766 after the credit. And our climate works in our favor more than you’d think—those cold, clear days make panels more efficient than they’d be in Houston or Las Vegas. We average 5.2 peak sun hours daily, which is plenty to make the numbers work.
The no-net-metering situation isn’t ideal, but it’s manageable. If you’re home during the day, or you run your dishwasher, washing machine, and other appliances when the sun’s out, you’ll use most of what you generate. Add an EV that charges during the day? Even better. Battery storage is another option if your usage pattern doesn’t line up with solar production.
The clock is ticking on that federal credit—it expires December 31, 2025. After that, the economics get noticeably worse. If you’ve been considering solar, this is probably your best window. South Dakota might not make it easy, but the savings potential is real if you do your homework and plan it right.
How Much Can Solar Panels Save Me in South Dakota?
Finding out how much you can save on solar in South Dakota is not a straightforward answer. It depends on several factors, including the solar billing of your utility company, the size of a potential solar system on your roof, and your household’s energy consumption. While most solar installers will try to cover all your electricity needs, the actual savings will depend on your home’s unique conditions. To get a personal estimate of how much you could potentially save by going solar, fill out a simple form on our website, use Google’s Project Sunroof solar savings calculator, or consult with a couple of local solar installation companies for a personalized savings calculation.
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Solar Financing Explained
You can pay for solar panels in a couple of ways:
- Cash
- Installer solar loans
- Personal loans
- Cash-out refinance or HELOC
- Solar Leases or Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)
First, there is a cash purchase, which in most cases provides the best price and long-term savings, but the upfront payment is not always what you can afford. If you want to own your solar panels and don’t have about $15,000 to $20,000 in the bank, you’ll have to choose solar panel financing.
You can consider a personal loan, a home equity line of credit, or a solar loan offered by the solar company. However, keep in mind that these loans come with interest and additional fees. Solar loans often are tied to dealer fees, which can increase the total cost of your solar system by 20% or more in exchange for a lower interest rate. To ensure you get the best possible deal, it is wise to compare the dealer fees and interest rates offered by different installers. This way, you can make an informed decision based on the most favorable terms available.
Some companies offer solar leases or PPAs that require zero upfront cost. But in such case, you don’t own solar panels and you are not eligible for any solar rebates or the federal tax credit. And, because you have to pay the solar company monthly, your total solar savings will be lower. Ask for detailed savings calculations from a solar installer to decide on the best option. In most cases, you will still be paying less for electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Rank Solar Installers
Our main goal is to provide homeowners like you with top-rated solar companies you can trust. Our solar experts analyzed thousands of local and nationwide installers to get to the bottom of who is best in a specific location. The solar company ranking methodology is based on gathering input from homeowner surveys, consulting with industry experts, and extensive research into the solar energy market. Here are the things we believe are the most important to consider when choosing a solar company.
In short, here’s how we pick top installers:
– Company that has been in business for over five years as it indicates stability, reliability, and successful installations.
– Local solar companies over big national ones covering multiple areas as they can provide better personal attention and know more about the solar needs and regulations in their area.
– Companies with hands-on experience and a wealth of projects under their belt are more likely to deliver efficient and timely installations that cater to specific customer needs.
– Companies that handle their own installations instead of outsourcing to subcontractors ensure a higher caliber of work and nurture a culture of excellence and accountability in service.
– Select a company that has a good overall reputation and reviews on sites like SolarReviews, BBB, Google Maps, and Yelp.
– The company is licensed and insured and holds relevant certifications such as NABCEP certification.
– Companies that offer a wide selection of high-quality solar panels and related products and work with reputable brands.
– Companies that provide flexible financing options such as solar loans, leases, or power purchase agreements.
– Installers that provide substantial workmanship warranties and system performance guarantees.
Read more:
Our Methodology
What Made Us Choose Sources for Expert Score?
How We Classify Solar Installers: What Matters Most?
What to Look for In a Solar Company
To ensure that you partner with a great provider that can meet your needs of going solar, look for the following:
– Make sure the solar installer has industry-standard certifications, such as those from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), indicating that they meet the gold standard in renewable energy installations. Also, verify if they are licensed, bonded, and insured for residential solar projects in your area. If subcontractors are involved, check their credentials as well.
– Prioritize installers with a proven track record in solar installations, ideally with at least 5+ years of experience. Ask about the number of systems they’ve installed and their project portfolio. A competent installer should openly discuss the solar panels, inverters, and batteries they use if they help to take advantage of local solar incentives and rebates, as well as warranty coverage specifics.
– Your installer should be forthcoming about the installation process and answer any questions you might have, like “How many solar panels will I need? Why?”, “Can you give me a detailed cost breakdown based on my energy consumption?”, “What solar panel brands do you install? Why?”, etc.. They should also be transparent about their use of subcontractors, detailing their roles and how their work will be supervised.
– A preliminary evaluation of your roof’s condition is the groundwork. The installer should advise on necessary repairs to ensure it’s ready for solar panel installation and clarify responsibilities for any potential roof damage during the process. Discuss aesthetic concerns, such as the placement of solar panels around roof vents or the possibility of relocating vents for a more visually appealing setup.
– Check the installer’s reputation through online reviews and testimonials. They should be able to connect you with past customers who are willing to share their experiences. Personal recommendations from friends or neighbors who’ve gone solar can also be invaluable.
– Solar installation costs can vary widely, so obtaining multiple quotes is advisable. Experienced installers will adjust their offers to your home’s specifics—size, energy needs, etc. For an objective cost comparison, calculate the price per watt of the proposed system, giving you a standardized basis to evaluate different quotes.
Should You Choose a Local Solar Installer or a Big National Company?
Always choose a local solar company over a big national corporation. Small local companies that operate in a distinct local area are better than multi-state and national solar companies and large corporations. It’s the small local companies who get the best reviews on our website, and it’s the national multistate companies who get very poor reviews. Why so, you may ask?
Solar is a local service business, for the most part, and it is extremely difficult to run a solar company and offer good customer service to many locations from a central office.
Local ones have a community connection, they know the incentives and regulations in the area better, and they simply care more about you than large businesses trying to get into your pocket and overprice you. While multi-state solar companies might try to convince you by financial stability and “quality of installations across different locations”, try to choose a local company that meets all your criteria.
What Does a Solar Installation Look Like?
Here’s how a solar system installation will look like once the design for your solar system is approved:
– First, a solar installer should estimate your energy needs, and analyze your annual and monthly electricity consumption, which you can find on utility bills measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Such calculations will help to understand potential savings, payback period, and the system size you need.
– A home energy audit is something every experienced solar company would do to understand the size and output needed.
– Next question on the list: are your house’s roof conditions good enough for installation? A solar installer should carefully inspect the roof and ensure its conditions and orientation are good to go, how and where to better place solar panels and wire the system.
– Next, they will design the system and show you how it’s going to look.
You will usually need a permit to install solar panels from your local authorities, and the solar provider should handle all the paperwork.
– The entire process might take up to 3 months depending on the state and local regulations, while the system installation is usually up to 3 days (might take longer depending on roof conditions and system complexity).
– The installation crew should always clean up and remove any debris, leaving your house in good condition.
– When the system is installed, it should be checked and approved by local municipality inspection.
– If you’re connecting your system to the grid, it has to be wired to your local utility system. You’ll apply for connection through your utility company, which will also want to inspect your system to ensure it’s following utility guidelines. Some installers may help you with this step, so always ask. Once you have all the permits, your system will be up and running, powering your home with solar.
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