Hey there! My name‘s Alex and I‘ve worked in the solar industry for over 5 years. As an experienced solar consultant here in the Peace Garden State, I‘ve seen firsthand how switching to solar energy just makes sense for many North Dakota homeowners like yourself. With abundant sunlight exposure and generous financial incentives in place, North Dakota possesses major solar potential if you partner with the right installation company.
That‘s exactly what I‘m going to help you identify today! By outlining what to look for when selecting a solar provider and spotlighting the top five contractors serving North Dakotans, my goal is to empower you to make the solar move with total confidence. Sound good? Let‘s dive in!
Why Go Solar in North Dakota?
More North Dakotans are opting to install solar panels on their homes for good reason. For one, our state averages 206 sunny days and over 2,500 daylight hours annually, meaning your panels will have plenty of opportunity to soak up free solar energy and drive down those power bills!
Plus, between federal tax credits chopping up to 30% off solar system costs and state/utility rebates, North Dakota homeowners have access to over $15,000 in potential savings on average.
And if you take advantage of net metering, you can accumulate bill credits when generating extra electricity to redeem during less sunny periods. With fewer recurring energy costs, your rooftop solar setup pays for itself in under 11 years typically while increasing home value and supporting the environment.
What‘s not to love? Now here‘s the key info you should weigh when picking the solar company to bring the sun’s power to your house…
Choosing the Best Solar Company: Key Factors
High-Efficiency Equipment
We all know solar panels produce energy from sunlight, but did you know panel efficiency ratings determine conversion effectiveness? Premium solar modules with higher productive output deserve consideration to maximize electricity generation from your rooftop real estate.
Strong Financial Stability
Since you’re making a 20+ year commitment, examine solar providers’ business performance via credit ratings and brands they partner with. Financially robust companies still operating decades later assure your system and warranty will endure too.
Quality Installation & Maintenance Services
Vet each contractor’s training credentials, safety track record, repair policies and expertise designing/installing solar equipment UNIQUE to North Dakota’s climate. Prioritize experienced local crews over larger national firms lacking regional familiarity.
Responsible Reviews & Reputation
Solar sales reps make lavish promises often, so verify claims by probing past customers. Favorable feedback across multiple online platforms confirms satisfying performance over time. A trustworthy reputation creates confidence in the provider.
Flexible Financing Solutions
Beyond paying cash upfront, many homeowners choose affordable solar loans, leases or power purchase agreements allowing you to go solar for $0 down. Compare all offerings to discover the optimal payment arrangement for your budget.
Now that you know the most important criteria in a leading solar company, let‘s examine your top five options to install solar panels in North Dakota…
#1: Wind and Solar World
Background: Locally owned and operated since 2006 with over 500 North Dakota solar energy systems powering homes across the state
Services: Consultation, site evaluation, system design, equipment procurement, installation, interconnection paperwork filing, monitoring setup
Products Used: High-efficiency solar modules from LG, Panasonic, Silfab Solar
Company Highlights:
- 15+ years of solar experience specifically within North Dakota
- Locally-based operation with crews living and working in-state
- Streamlined process handling all logistics in-house
- Above-average Yelp, Google, BBB ratings
- Nearly 100% 5-star customer reviews
| System Size | Average Cost | Est. Payback |
|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $18,000 | $8,000 |
| 10 kW | $30,000 | $12,000 |
I’ve toured several impressive Wind and Solar World installs firsthand and really appreciate their customized approach considering each household‘s unique needs. Their regional expertise shows through sophisticated system design maximizing North Dakota solar production. Expect superb customer service from inquiry to post-sale backed by extensive quality assurance testing.
While you pay a slight premium over competitors, WSW’s unrelenting quality and workmanship warrant the extra expenditure for peace of mind. Ultimately, Rod and the WSW team live up to their superb reputation around North Dakota solar circles.
#2 GenPro Energy Solutions
Background: South Dakota-based solar provider operating in North Dakota since 2007 with over 8,500 panels deployed locally
Services: Site analysis, solar solution recommendation, procurement, installation, paperwork processing, monitoring, maintenance
Products Used: SolarWorld, Hyundai, Tesla, REC, SunPower and more
Company Highlights:
- 200+ solar projects spanning 17+ states
- 25 MW of solar power installed to date
- Specialize in rural & agricultural solar
- Competitively priced equipment/installs
- BBB accredited with A+ rating
| System Size | Average Cost | Est. Payback |
|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $14,500 | $7,500 |
| 10 kW | $24,200 | $12,000 |
GenPro stands apart for their agricultural expertise and robust track record furnishing farms/ranches with customized solar solutions. Their certified installation pros leverage decades of experience tailoring systems to rural settings with minimal environmental impact. Homeowners too benefit from competitive pricing coupled with premium parts quality and attentive maintenance.
Assured by GenPro’s long-term financial health and rave customer reviews, you can bank on your system investment paying dividends for decades while being there when you need them. Though headquartered outside North Dakota, GenPro has proven itself many times over across the state’s rural landscape.
#3 SunPower Corporation
Background: Global solar leader since 1985 with patented panel technology and regional office supporting North Dakota installs
Services: Design, permitting, installation, interconnection, financing, lifetime monitoring
Products Used: Proprietary SunPower Maxeon Solar Panels
Company Highlights:
- 40+ years pioneering solar technology
- Solar panels rated #1 globally 8 straight years
- Custom panel styles for seamless rooftop fit
- 25-year system warranty included
- Over 20 North Dakota office/install locations
| System Size | Average Cost | Est. Payback |
|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $25,000 | $10,000 |
| 10 kW | $42,000 | $18,000 |
As the premier name in residential solar spanning decades, SunPower offers an unrivaled blend of technological innovation, product reliability and customer satisfaction. Their exclusive Maxeon solar cells achieve an unmatched 25% efficiency rating for superior energy output year after year.
Of course, such premium performance commands higher pricing, so weigh your budget and timeline accordingly. While SunPower costs exceed competitors upfront, their space-age gear reliably delivers for 25+ years with robust warranty support. For homeowners seeking maximum solar performance without compromise, few match the prowess and legacy of industry pioneer SunPower.
#4 RREAL Solar
Background: Minnesota-based solar installer active since 1999 servicing northwest North Dakota communities
Services: Site evaluation, solar solution engineering, permitting, installation, maintenance
Products Used: Silfab Solar, LG, Mission Solar Modules
Company Highlights:
- 500+ solar energy systems installed
- Specialize in non-profit, municipal and rural properties
- Highly trained team with NABCEP certification
- Excellent BBB rating (A+)
- Competitive equipment pricing
| System Size | Average Cost | Est. Payback |
|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $19,500 | $9,000 |
| 10 kW | $32,500 | $15,000 |
RREAL Solar shines brightest when giving back, actively collaborating with communities to expand access, education and adoption of solar power. Their seasoned installers leverage deep technical prowess honed over 20+ years designing solutions uniquely fitted to each property’s constraints.
Coupled with their nonprofit roots and reputation for empowering underserved demographics through renewable energy, RREAL Solar stands tall as a mission-driven provider improving lives. Their regional presence may remain limited but communities served give rave reviews.
#5 Lightspring Solar
Background: Locally owned North Dakota solar installer launched in 2018 specializing in customized Tesla systems
Services: Property evaluation, solar solution design, equipment procurement, installation, monitoring setup
Products Used: Tesla solar solutions (panels, tiles, Powerwall batteries)
Company Highlights:
- Certified Tesla Powerwall installer
- Specialize in solar battery integration
- High-performance intelligent Tesla equipment
- Impressive 5-year system & 25-year panel warranty
- Emergency backup power via solar battery storage
| System Size | Average Cost | Est. Payback |
|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $21,500 | $8,500 |
| 10 kW | $36,000 | $12,500 |
As Tesla’s solar arm reaches North Dakota, forward-thinking Lightspring Solar leads the charge supplying their next-generation solar technology to area homes. Their solar-savvy team skillfully incorporates Tesla’s high-efficiency panels and backup Powerwall batteries for advanced whole-home energy management.
Adopters tout Lightspring’s polished home integration and reliable performance through harsh winters. And by centralizing solar generation plus storage, their systems furnish unrivaled energy resiliency and cost predictability powered by the sun. For access to Tesla’s cutting-edge gear backed by reputable local implementation, Lightspring Solar is a true standout!
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Well, there you have it…the cream of the crop when it comes to installing solar panels in North Dakota! Each company showcases unique strengths making them excel in the region.
Hopefully breaking down the key selection criteria and contrasting these top-rated providers gives you ample knowledge to make an informed decision that best aligns with your solar goals and current home.
And remember…going solar is a choice paying tremendous dividends over the system lifespan by increasing sustainability, self-sufficiency and long-term savings.
Here‘s to your path toward energy independence…let the sun bring you power! Feel free to reach out with any additional questions.