4 Best Solar Companies in North Dakota (2024 Guide)
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North Dakota relies heavily on fossil fuels, with crude oil accounting for three-fifths of the state’s energy production in 2023. Going solar would help reduce fossil fuel use and tap into a clean, unlimited energy source. Solar energy can also lower high heating costs during the state’s harsh winters.
Our team spent 60 hours researching top solar companies on the national and regional levels. We’ve found the best North Dakota solar companies and offered guidance on choosing the right installer for your home.
Compare Solar Energy Companies in North Dakota
North Dakota’s Top Solar Energy Companies
- SunPower: Best High-Efficiency System
- Tesla: Best Solar Tech
- GenPro Energy Solutions: Best Regional Dakotas Installer
- Wind and Solar World: Best Local North Dakota Installer
Our Top Picks for Solar Panel Installation in ND
What Are the Solar Incentives in North Dakota?
Although North Dakota has fewer rebates and incentives than other states, residents still have several opportunities to save on solar system costs. With the federal tax credit, homeowners save up to 30% on installation costs. This incentive applies to photovoltaic (PV) panels, solar shingles and tiles, and standalone energy storage. Any North Dakota resident can apply but must legally own their system to qualify.
Although solar systems help raise your home value, they also increase property taxes. The North Dakota Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption excludes these additional taxes for five years after your installation date. You must contact your local tax assessor to apply for this exemption.
Under North Dakota’s net-metering program, homeowners send excess energy back to the grid in exchange for electric bill credits. The state mandates this program for all investor-owned utilities (IOUs) but excludes electric cooperatives and municipal utilities. Utility companies aren’t mandated to pay credit at certain rates, so most choose an avoided-cost rate. This means companies pay below the retail rate for electricity. Contact your local utility company for details on its net-metering program, current payout rates, and application.
We recommend checking the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for an up-to-date list of areawide incentives.
What Should You Look For in a Solar Company?
Consider the following benefits and services while shopping for a solar installation company.
Solar Services
Providers use in-house or third-party contractors for their solar panel installations. In-house teams work directly for the solar company, leading to better installation quality and project communication. With third-party contractors, installation results could vary between locations. Using an outside team also adds another point of contact to the process, which could cause communication delays. We recommend finding companies that employ in-house installers.
Some providers offer solar services that support your solar panel system’s performance. These services may include system monitoring or dedicated apps that track energy production. Here’s a list of possible solar and home services below:
- Dedicated mobile app or web portal
- Electrical services and installation
- Energy efficiency audits and upgrades
- Home energy monitoring equipment and installation
- Roofing services such as repair and replacement
- Smart home device installation
- Solar system monitoring
Warranties
Warranties should align with a solar panel’s average 25-year life span. Many top-performing home panels have longer warranties than cheaper panel options. Long-term warranties keep your system protected and ensure excellent future performance. We’ll cover typical solar system warranties below:
- Manufacturer’s (or product) warranty: This plan protects against defects caused by the manufacturer.
- Workmanship (or labor) warranty: This protection plan covers issues caused by poor panel installation.
- Power performance guarantee: This warranty outlines your panels’ expected lifetime performance, estimates any efficiency drops, and details replacement or repair policies if performance falls below these expectations.
Warranty coverage and length can vary between providers and may not include all options listed above.
Payment Options
Most companies offer two or more solar financing options to fit various household budgets. Some payment options, such as up-front payments or solar loans, offer additional benefits such as legal system ownership and solar incentive qualification. Below is a breakdown of solar companies’ most common financing options:
- Up-front (or cash) payments: Customers pay the solar system’s full cost up-front.
- Solar loans: Customers make an initial down payment and continue with long-term payments (with added interest rates) for a set timeframe.
- Solar leases: Customers typically pay little to no money down, then make monthly payments to rent the system from the solar provider.
- Power purchase agreements (PPAs): Customers pay for their monthly solar energy usage instead of paying for the system.
With solar leases and PPAs, the solar company retains system ownership, disqualifying you from additional incentive savings. These options only benefit customers uninterested in owning a solar system. We recommend choosing cash payment or solar loans for the best return on investment (ROI) and savings.
Customer Support
We recommend finding a solar company that offers multiple ways to contact customer support. Many companies provide online forms, email, or phone options. Additional options include text messaging and online chat. During secret shopping, we test several online chats and have mixed results. Some chats connected to live against while others used automated messages. Check online customer reviews for mentions of any major customer support issues, including unanswered calls, delayed responses, or rude representatives.
How To Get a Solar Quote in North Dakota
Request solar quotes from multiple companies to find the best equipment, pricing, and warranty coverage. The below guide outlines the typical solar quote process to help with your shopping experience.
- Schedule each consultation: Contact each company’s sales department via online form, phone, or other designated contact method. Providers offer either in-person or virtual consultations. Set aside at least two hours for each consultation.
- Find your latest energy bill: Solar companies use your utility bill to determine your energy needs and solar energy system size. Have your latest bill on hand for your consultation.
- Review your roof designs: Each company rep will perform in-person or virtual roof assessments. They will check for available roof space, structural issues, and complex roof designs. They’ll note any design elements, such as chimneys and skylights, and select the best spot for your panels. Depending on your solar panel type, you may need ample room for your solar array. Since solar panels work best with direct sunlight, the rep will select a spot with minimal shading.
- Build your solar system: The solar company will begin your system design based on these previous assessments. During this step, you can choose your solar panels, components, and additional upgrades, such as solar batteries and EV chargers.
- Review the final quotes: Each quote should contain itemized system pricing details, installation costs, labor fees, and warranty coverage. You receive financing option details and your estimated solar payback period. Some companies also help you apply for incentives for additional solar savings. Compare each quote to find the best deal.
Our Conclusion
We chose SunPower as the top North Dakota installer due to its comprehensive warranty and high-efficiency systems. It’s our only reviewed company to offer long-term product, workmanship, and performance coverage. SunPower’s systems provide some of the highest efficiency ratings, leading to maximum energy production and savings.
We recommend getting free quotes from at least three solar providers and comparing offered services, pricing, and equipment.
Other North Dakota Home Service Resources
FAQ About Solar Companies in ND
How many sunny days does North Dakota get every year?
North Dakota receives 201 sunny days yearly, slightly lower than the national average of 205.
Does North Dakota have net metering?
Yes, North Dakota offers net-metering through all investor-owned utilities (IOUs). Through this program, homeowners earn utility bill credits for sending excess energy back to the power grid. These credits help offset future electricity costs, improving your overall energy savings.
Is solar energy worth it in North Dakota?
Yes, solar energy is worth the investment in North Dakota. Residents benefit from reduced energy costs during North Dakota’s frigid winters. The state also receives 201 sunny days annually, providing an excellent environment for solar panels.
How many solar companies are in ND?
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), only eight solar companies exist in North Dakota.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and typical customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.