Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Calvin, North Dakota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional solar installer based in Fargo, known for high-quality residential and commercial installations across North Dakota and Minnesota. They are praised for their customer service, technical expertise, and handling of the entire process from design to permitting and installation.
A well-respected, veteran-owned local installer serving the Bismarck-Mandan area and beyond. They specialize in custom-designed systems for both grid-tied and off-grid applications, with a strong focus on education and finding the right solution for each customer's energy needs.
A national leader offering a streamlined process with its proprietary Solar Panels, Powerwall battery storage, and user-friendly app. They operate via a centralized model but deploy certified local installation crews to service areas across North Dakota, including rural communities.
** The home solar market in and around Calvin, North Dakota, is characteristic of a rural, developing market. The level of direct, local competition is low, which means residents will primarily be working with regional installers from cities like Fargo and Bismarck. * **Average Quality & Expertise:** The providers serving this area are generally high-quality, established businesses. They possess significant experience with the unique challenges of North Dakota, such as heavy snow loads, high winds, and designing systems that perform optimally in a climate with less annual sunlight than the national average. Expertise in both grid-tied and robust off-grid/battery-backed systems is common due to the rural nature of the state. * **Competition Level:** Low within Calvin itself, but moderate at the regional level. Homeowners have a handful of strong, reputable options to choose from, but not an overwhelming number. This often leads to more personalized service from the regional installers. * **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is generally in line with the national average before incentives. As of late 2023, the average gross cost for a residential system in ND ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt**. A typical 10 kW system would therefore cost between **$25,000 and $35,000** before applying the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and any other local incentives. The value proposition in North Dakota is strengthened by the state's net metering policies and the desire for energy independence in remote areas.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Calvin regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Calvin, North Dakota.
Solar panels are surprisingly effective in Calvin's climate. They generate electricity from daylight, not heat, and cold temperatures can actually improve panel efficiency. While winter production is lower due to shorter days and potential snow cover, modern panels are designed to shed snow, and the long summer days with high sun angles produce significant energy, often creating a net surplus annually when paired with net metering from your utility.
The average gross cost for a residential solar system in North Dakota ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, you are eligible for the 30% federal solar tax credit, which significantly reduces the net cost. Additionally, North Dakota offers a state property tax exemption for the added home value from solar, and local utilities like McLean Electric Cooperative or Nodak Electric Cooperative offer net metering programs to credit you for excess power.
Yes, you will need to comply with local building codes and obtain a permit from the City of Calvin or McLean County. Your chosen installer will typically handle this process. Importantly, you must submit an interconnection agreement application to your local utility (e.g., McLean Electric Cooperative) to connect your system to the grid for net metering, which is a standardized process in North Dakota.
Look for installers licensed in North Dakota with specific experience in the region's climate and utility interconnection processes. Seek out local or regional companies with proven projects in McLean County. Always check references, verify they carry proper insurance, and ensure they provide a detailed production estimate that accounts for Calvin's seasonal weather patterns and your specific roof orientation.
Under net metering with a local cooperative like McLean Electric, your solar system sends excess power to the grid, spinning your meter backward and earning you a kilowatt-hour credit. These credits offset power you draw at night or in winter. It's important to note that a standard grid-tied system will shut off during a power outage for safety. To have power during outages, you must invest in an additional battery storage system or a special solar inverter with islanding capability.