Choosing the right solar installer in North 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 North 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 North Dakota’s most trusted solar installers:
What You’ll Pay for Solar Panels in North Dakota
North Dakota stands out in 2025 as one of the more affordable states for solar installation. Here’s what residential systems typically cost:
| System Size | Price Before Incentives | Price After Federal Tax Credit (30%) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $12,349 – $16,707 | $8,644 – $11,695 | ||
| 6 kW | $14,819 – $20,048 | $10,373 – $14,034 | ||
| 7 kW | $17,289 – $23,390 | $12,102 – $16,373 | ||
| 8 kW | $19,759 – $26,731 | $13,831 – $18,712 | ||
| 9 kW | $22,228 – $30,073 | $15,560 – $21,051 | ||
| 10 kW | $24,698 – $33,414 | $17,289 – $23,390 | ||
| 11 kW | $27,168 – $36,755 | $19,018 – $25,729 | ||
| 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. | ||||
Quick Facts About North Dakota Solar Costs
- Per-watt pricing runs between $2.91 and $3.44, compared to the $3.33 national average
- Most homes need around 11 kW to cover their electricity needs
- Typical monthly electric bills hover around $122
- North Dakota households consume roughly 1,091 kWh each month
Your total installation cost covers everything—the panels themselves, inverters, mounting hardware, wiring, labor, permits, and the actual installation work. Because North Dakota homes tend to use more electricity than the national average, that 11 kW system size is pretty standard here.
Financial Incentives Worth Knowing About
Several programs can significantly reduce your upfront costs:
| Incentive | What You’ll Save | How It Works | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Solar Tax Credit | 30% of total cost (roughly $4,358) | Credits your federal taxes for equipment, labor, permits, and sales tax | Must purchase outright or finance; ends December 31, 2025 |
| Property Tax Exemption | No tax on added home value for 5 years | Shields you from higher property taxes despite increased home value | Automatic qualification; check with your county assessor |
| Net Metering | Monthly bill credits | Get compensated for excess power sent back to the grid | Very limited—mainly Otter Tail Power; Montana-Dakota Utilities and Xcel Energy dropped their programs |
| Battery Storage Credit | 30% federal credit | Same tax benefit if you add batteries (3 kWh minimum) | Only with solar installation |
Understanding These Incentives
The federal tax credit deserves your immediate attention. Right now, you can claim 30% of everything you spend—equipment, installation, permits, even sales tax. But there’s a hard deadline: December 31, 2025.
Property tax exemptions work differently in North Dakota. When you install solar, your home’s value typically jumps by about 4.1%. Normally, that would mean higher property taxes. Not in North Dakota. For five years after installation, the state won’t touch your property tax assessment despite that added value.
Net metering has become trickier lately. You used to have more options for selling excess power back to utilities. Now, Montana-Dakota Utilities and Xcel Energy have stopped offering these programs. If you’re serviced by Otter Tail Power Company, you might still qualify—but check with them directly.
Battery storage gets the same 30% federal credit if you’re adding it to your solar system. Your batteries need to have at least 3 kWh capacity to qualify.
What Makes North Dakota Different for Solar
Sun and Weather Patterns
People assume North Dakota’s brutal winters make solar impractical. Not true. The state gets about 201 sunny days annually—nearly matching the national average of 205. During peak hours, you’re looking at roughly 5 hours of good sunlight daily.
This may seem strange, but solar panels work better when it’s cold. Yes, winter reduces output because days are shorter and snow can cover panels. But those long summer days? They’re incredibly productive. North Dakota’s western counties catch more sun than eastern areas, though both regions work well for solar.
Dealing With Paperwork and Utilities
Most installers handle the permitting headaches for you. Each utility company has its own interconnection process, but Xcel Energy and Otter Tail Power Company have published clear guidelines that experienced installers know inside and out.
Timeline Expectations
How Long Does Installation Take?
From your first consultation to flipping the switch, expect 2–4 months:
- Initial consultation and system design: 1–2 weeks
- Permit applications and approvals: 2–6 weeks
- Ordering and receiving equipment: 2–4 weeks
- Actual installation work: 1–3 days
- Final inspection and utility connection: 1–4 weeks
What Might Slow Things Down
There are a number of things that can make this timeline longer. The speed at which local government offices process permits varies. Winter weather can make installations take longer. Utility companies move at their own pace for approvals. And if your roof needs work before you put it on, that will also take more time.
Working with a certified installer smooths out many of these potential delays. They know the local requirements and have established relationships with permitting offices and utilities.
Does Solar Make Financial Sense Here?
Your Electricity Savings
North Dakota residents use more electricity than most Americans—about 1,091 kWh monthly versus the national average. With bills averaging $122 per month, there’s real money to be saved.
A typical solar installation cuts annual electricity costs by roughly $1,636. Multiply that over a 25-year system lifespan, and you’re looking at approximately $25,758 in total savings.
When Will Your Investment Pay Off?
North Dakota’s average payback period sits at 13 years—one year longer than the 12-year national average. Most homeowners see payback somewhere between 10 and 16 years. Several factors determine where you’ll fall in that range:
Your system’s size and what you paid for it matter most. How much electricity you actually use affects the calculation. Available incentives (while they last) reduce your effective cost. And your roof’s orientation plus any shading issues impact how much power you generate.
Once you’ve recouped your investment, you’ve still got 10 to 15 years of essentially free electricity ahead of you. That’s where the real value accumulates.
Home Value Boost
Zillow’s research shows solar panels increase home values by 4.1% on average. In North Dakota, where homes typically sell for around $270,000, that translates to roughly $11,070 in added value. You’re essentially getting paid for something that also reduces your monthly expenses.
Environmental Impact
Beyond the financial benefits, solar reduces your reliance on fossil fuels and cuts your carbon footprint. For many North Dakota homeowners, that environmental angle matters as much as the money they save.
Is Your Home a Good Candidate?
Not all properties are equally good for solar. Consider the following: To get the most sun, your roof should face south or west. Trees or nearby buildings that cast shadows will reduce your system’s efficiency. Solar makes the most financial sense if you’re currently using more than 500 kWh monthly. And you’ll see the best return if you plan to stay in your home for at least 10 years—otherwise, you might sell before hitting that payback period.
Is It Worth Going Solar in North Dakota?
Solar installations across North Dakota have been climbing steadily. The trend sped up in 2024 because equipment costs were going down and the 30% federal tax credit was available. But that credit’s December 2025 expiration date has created urgency. Installers report increased interest from homeowners who want to lock in these benefits before they vanish.
Right now represents a particularly good window for North Dakota homeowners. Equipment prices remain competitive, the federal incentive is still available (though not for long), and long-term electricity savings are substantial. If you’ve been considering solar, the combination of these factors makes 2025 a strategic time to move forward.
How much is your electricity bill per month?
Help us understand what you`re currently spending
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.
Find the Best Solar Installers Near You
Browse the Best Solar Installers in Nearby Locations
