Key Points
- North Dakota’s population is growing, leading to increased interest in solar power energy.
- Early investors in solar energy in North Dakota can receive upfront rebates, tax credits, and net metering policies.
- When choosing a solar company in North Dakota, consider factors such as high-efficiency solar panels, warranty coverage, and price and payment options.
- Wind and Solar World, GenPro Energy Solutions, SunPower, RREAL Solar, and Lightspring Solar are among the best solar companies in North Dakota.
North Dakota’s population is steadily growing, and many more homeowners and businesses are looking to convert to solar power energy. With plenty of sunshine throughout the year, along with financial incentives and a desire to help the environment, North Dakotans are choosing to invest in solar energy.
Choosing a solar company doesn’t have to be expensive or intimidating. Knowing what criteria to look for in a company can help make your decision process smooth and stress-free. As we move into an energy-conscious world, investing in a reliable solar company is one step closer to sustainability and reusable resources.
The Future of Solar Power in North Dakota
Most of the electricity in North Dakota comes from coal, thanks to the largest deposit of lignite found in the western part of the state. This means the cost of electricity is relatively low, which can make switching to solar energy a tough sell in the Peace Garden State. Even so, early investors in solar energy can receive upfront rebates, tax credits, and net metering policies that make it more accessible.
The average cost for solar panel installation for homeowners in North Dakota is currently around $26,620, before additional tax credits or incentives. However, the average payback period for the cost of solar panels is between 6-10 years, with an average 20-year savings upwards of $36,000. You can also earn a 30% tax credit up until the year 2033. That alone has sparked interest for many homeowners to invest in the long-term benefits of solar panels.
What to Look For in a Solar Company in North Dakota
Before hiring the first solar company you find in the directory, you want to do a bit of research about specific solar energy criteria to look for. You also want to speak to a few companies and get quotes from each to compare. This will give you a better understanding of the costs, policies, and pros and cons of each company.
High-Efficiency Solar Panels
What is a high-efficiency solar panel? Top-notch solar power installers will use high-quality solar panels that are sized properly for your home and take energy use into account. Not only that, you want to ensure the solar panels will last. As with most things, solar panels will degrade over time, so find out what kind of degradation rate your installer’s panels have, as you want your panels to last more than just a few years. Talk to your installer about the temperature coefficient, too. This relates to the degree of efficiency the panels lose when the temperature changes.
Performance and Workmanship Warranty Coverage
The life of your solar panels is crucial in choosing the right solar panels for your home. Having a performance warranty for your panels will provide an idea of how well the panels will perform and for how long. On average, many homeowners want solar panels to last at least 25 years.
Another warranty to consider is the workmanship warranty. This protects you and your home against any installment or workmanship errors. Although most North Dakota installers do not offer a workmanship warranty, it doesn’t hurt to ask about it when discussing quotes with solar panel companies.
Price and Payment Options
Unless you have an unlimited budget, ask multiple companies for quotes before deciding on a company. Companies charge different labor costs, equipment, and installation fees, so gathering multiple quotes will give you a better idea of the pricing and value of each installer.
You also want to ask about solar panel payment options available, such as cash payment, loans, or power purchase agreements (PPAs). Some companies may even offer solar leases of the equipment if you can’t pay upfront for the solar panels. Having multiple payment options allows you to use a method that works with your budget so you can afford solar panels for your home.
The 5 Best Solar Companies in North Dakota
Investing in solar power is an investment in your financial future and your contribution to helping the environment. North Dakota’s growing solar energy market provides homeowners and businesses with high-quality solar panels and services at a cost that works for them. Take a look at 5 of the best solar companies in North Dakota.
1. Wind and Solar World
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Wind and Solar World stands out as a veteran solar company in the North Dakota area. With more than 15 years in the industry, customers appreciate that this company is locally owned and that technicians are knowledgeable, trained, and offer outstanding customer service.
Although Wind and Solar World offers average pricing for its solar panels and service, they use high-quality panels from manufacturers like Qcells, Panasonic, and Canadian Solar. These all rank as high-efficiency panels that help maintain the large energy consumption in North Dakota. This company also provides full-service installation with loan or full purchase payment options.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Locally owned and operated in North Dakota | Does not offer leases or PPAs of equipment |
| More than 15 years of experience | Only offers a manufacturer’s warranty |
| Offers high-quality products from leading manufacturers | Lack of online reviews and testimonials |
2. GenPro Energy Solutions
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With more than 15 years in the solar industry, GenPro Energy Solutions has established itself as a reliable solar company in the Midwest. Operating out of Piedmont, South Dakota, GenPro Energy Solutions also services the entire state of North Dakota. They also serve over 200 energy partners with projects in Asia, South America, the Middle East, and beyond.
GenPro Energy Solutions offers a variety of affordable solar panel brands, like SolarWorld and Suniva, which have efficiency ratings above 20%. This means customers receive high-quality solar panels at below-average pricing for the area. Although GenPro Energy Solutions only offers a manufacturer’s warranty, customers appreciate the exceptional customer service and quality of equipment.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Competitive and affordable pricing | Headquarters is located out-of-state |
| Technicians are NABCEP-certified | Does not offer workmanship warranty coverage |
| Offers a variety of solar panel brands | Does not offer leases or PPAs of equipment |
3. SunPower
©esbobeldijk/Shutterstock.com
SunPower is the oldest US-based solar company with over 35 years of experience servicing communities. They focus on social responsibility and solar sustainability by using Maxeon’s high-efficiency solar panels, one of the most efficient products on the market.
Aside from residential and corporate solar installation, SunPower also offers custom-built solar components that can be used in your home. They also offer a comprehensive 25-year warranty that covers panels, system components, and workmanship. With multiple payment options available, including cash, loans, leases, and PPAs, customers can use solar panels on their terms in a way that works for them.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More than 35 years in the solar industry | Headquarters is located out-of-state |
| Offers 25-year comprehensive warranty coverage | Higher-than-average pricing (depending on location) |
| Provides customized in-home solar components | Lack of variety of panel equipment |
4. RREAL Solar
©anatoliy_gleb/Shutterstock.com
RREAL Solar (Rural Renewable Energy Alliance Solar) has become a leading solar company in more than 20 years since its establishment. The company runs out of Backus, Minnesota, and offers its services to a small area of North Dakota. Although this limits availability to most of the state, RREAL Solar is a great option for its expertise and low costs if you fall within its service area.
RREAL Solar works with equipment from brands like SolarWorld, LG, and SolarEdge, which provides above-average panel efficiency at affordable costs. Unfortunately, this installer doesn’t offer leases or PPAs, so you will need to pay for the equipment upfront. Despite the small service area and limited warranty coverage, RREAL Solar provides excellent customer service and comes with a trusted history. The company also offers educational and developmental programs to support its team and community.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Technicians are NABCEP-certified | Headquarters is located out-of-state |
| Offers high-quality products from leading manufacturers | Does not offer leases or PPAs of equipment |
| Low prices with above-average panel efficiency ratings | Services a small area of North Dakota |
5. Lightspring Solar
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Based out of Bismarck, Lightspring Solar is one of the few solar companies operating out of North Dakota. It began as an idea in 2017 and opened in 2018 as Lightspring, LLC. Since then, the company has installed hundreds of solar panels and battery storage across the state.
Lightspring Solar focuses on energy efficiency and conservation measures along with energy production and storage, which helps lower the cost of solar panels. Lightspring uses Tesla solar equipment that has an above-average efficiency rating. This helps to decrease electric bills but still covers the high-energy needs of homes and organizations throughout North Dakota.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Locally owned and operated in North Dakota | Relatively young company |
| Offers below-average equipment pricing | Does not offer leases of PPAs of equipment |
| Uses Tesla solar equipment such as Tesla Powerwalls with an above-average efficiency rating | Does not offer comprehensive warranty coverage |
Are You Ready to Go Solar?
North Dakota consumes a large amount of energy, taken from coal and other fossil fuels like oil. The potential for solar energy in North Dakota continues to grow as more homeowners and businesses see the value in sustainability and reusable energy. Solar companies in North Dakota are already paving the way to enable more residents to use solar energy for their homes or organizations.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Millenius/Shutterstock.com.
