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Written By Todays Homeowner Local Pros
Last Updated February 2024
South Dakota has historically had low solar adoption rates, since the state government has mostly used hydroelectric power for its renewable energy goals. However, an increasing number of homeowners in the Land of Infinite Variety are deciding they want a closer energy source to them, and solar is their ticket to energy independence and substantial savings.
The team at Today's Homeowner ranks these South Dakota solar energy companies the best in the state.
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Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
If you're searching for a solar installer in South Dakota, we have the only list you'll ever need. Our team of home improvement experts found these 2 companies to have the highest experience, the best local reputation, and the highest satisfaction rates. Our mission at Today's Homeowner is to empower you with the advice and techniques you need to maintain the health and safety of your home. For jobs beyond the "DIY" scope, our contractor recommendations come from our combined years of home improvement experience. Click here for more information on how we rate local companies.
56°F
38°F
53%
95lbs CO2e/yr
1.89"
$920/yr
With three types of solar panels in today's market, small-scale renewable energy has become easier to adopt than ever before. Your contractor will likely have experience with all three kinds and can help you pick the best one for your property.
In the very hot summers of South Dakota, you'll get the best results from monocrystalline panels. Each black-hued cell uses only one silicon crystal, meaning you can generate more energy with a small array. Since they're more intricate, they come at a higher starting price point. However, they also have the highest lifespan and better ROI possibilities than the other options.
You can recognize polycrystalline panels by their navy blue shade. Each cell in these panels utilizes multiple silicon fragments molded together, which translates to less manufacturing waste and a lower starting price point.
However, they take up more space than monocrystalline panels, so you'll need more free roof space for a high-capacity array.
Thin-film solar panels use various metal alloys instead of silicon crystals. Some homeowners choose them for their reduced weight or greater compatibility with unique roof shapes. Others pick them for their superior heat resistance and low-light performance. Thin-film panels are a good choice for value in more "partly sunny" areas of South Dakota. They maintain efficiency as temperatures fluctuate and work with many different roof shapes.
Although some thin-film panel models are about as efficient as polycrystalline panels, other models are far less efficient or have very short lifespans.
While certain terms may depend on your contractor and model, you might be able to make use of these financing tools to keep solar energy as affordable as possible:
Utility companies and state governments reward going solar through a variety of different programs, like the following:
Curious about solar energy's impact on the South Dakota economy? These statistics paint a good picture of the growing solar market in your area.
Want more information on South Dakota's solar opportunities, incentives, and regulations? Visit these online pages and reference guides:
If you don't have much roof space or you aren't able to install many panels, a solar water heating system might be the best starting point. However, if you have the space and budget for a photovoltaic array that can power your entire home, you'll have the best possible versatility and value.
Solar energy is more effective and flexible than other types of renewable energy. You can utilize solar power for any appliance or fixture in your home or sell it to the grid for more savings.
There are three common types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. Each kind has different characteristics and drawbacks that make it ideal for certain applications. Monocrystalline panels are the gold standard for efficiency, while other types may be better if you're on a tight budget or you have a uniquely-shaped roof.
Before hiring any contractor, you should confirm their credentials and experience to ensure they're qualified for your project. A quality contractor will keep an unobtrusive and safe work environment, practice clear and regular communication, and find ways to minimize your costs without compromising on safety or efficiency.
In South Dakota, homeowners with a 5 kW solar system can expect to cut $923.40 from their bills per year. Based on the capacity and efficiency of your solar array, you could save between thousands and tens of thousands of dollars on your energy bills over the life of the panels.
Recently, the cost of solar panels has been steadily dropping. In South Dakota, the cost of solar panels is about $2,390 per kilowatt. A majority of homeowners decide to finance their solar panel system with a solar loan, which can save you thousands of dollars over time. Your contractor will engineer a solution that will generate enough energy to help you offset the upfront costs.
The best time to set up solar panels on your roof is whenever you can save the most money on your electricity bills. We recommend scheduling your installation during the season right before your electricity bills reach their highest point, usually in the spring or fall.
The average solar photovoltaic system capacity in South Dakota is 10.1. You can choose a larger system if your home has a lot of rooftop space or significant energy needs, or a lower one if you want to save money on your solar installation.