Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Grand Forks, North Dakota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, locally-owned and operated company specializing in custom residential solar and battery storage solutions. They are known for personalized service, deep knowledge of North Dakota incentives, and high-quality workmanship. They handle the entire process from consultation and design to installation and maintenance.
Based in Fargo, Sundog Solar is a leading regional installer that serves the Grand Forks area extensively. They have a strong reputation for professional project management and customer education. They offer a wide range of financing options and work with top-tier equipment manufacturers.
A rapidly growing regional contractor based in Minnesota with a significant presence in North Dakota. They are known for their efficient installation processes and strong focus on customer satisfaction. They provide comprehensive services, including energy efficiency assessments to maximize the savings from a new solar system.
** The home solar market in Grand Forks, ND, is a developing but robust market driven by increasing energy costs and favorable federal incentives. The local competition is not oversaturated, but the few key players are highly professional and reputable. Due to the climate, providers have expertise in designing systems that perform optimally in cold, sunny winters and account for snow load. **Average Quality:** The quality of service is generally high, with companies typically holding certifications from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and partnering with top-tier manufacturers like Tesla, Qcells, and Enphase. **Competition Level:** Moderate. While there are not dozens of local installers, the regional companies that serve Grand Forks are established and compete strongly on service, expertise, and customer care rather than just price. **Typical Pricing:** The average cost for a residential solar system in North Dakota ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before the 30% federal tax credit. This means a typical 6 kW system would have a gross cost between $15,000 and $21,000. Financing options (loans, leases, PPAs) are widely available, and installers are well-versed in local net metering policies and any available state-specific rebates. *** **Disclaimer:** *It is always recommended to conduct your own due diligence. Verify a company's state contractor's license and insurance, obtain multiple quotes, and check for any complaints with the North Dakota Attorney General's Office or the Better Business Bureau before signing a contract.*
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Grand Forks regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Solar panels are surprisingly effective in Grand Forks' climate. While winter days are shorter, panels actually operate more efficiently in cold temperatures, and the region receives strong sunlight year-round. Snow will temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle to help snow slide off, and any energy produced helps melt snow quickly. Modern systems are designed to account for seasonal variation, ensuring strong production during the long summer days to offset lower winter generation.
A typical residential solar system in Grand Forks ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives, depending on system size and home energy needs. Crucially, North Dakota homeowners benefit from the 30% federal solar tax credit, which significantly reduces the net cost. Additionally, while North Dakota does not have a state tax credit, you can participate in net metering programs with local utilities like Xcel Energy, allowing you to earn bill credits for excess energy sent to the grid.
Yes, you will need to obtain a building and electrical permit from the Grand Forks City Planning & Development Department. Your chosen installer will typically manage this process. Key local considerations include adherence to the North Dakota State Building Code for structural and electrical safety, and compliance with any local homeowner association (HOA) covenants, though North Dakota law (N.D.C.C. § 49-22-03) restricts HOAs from prohibiting solar installations outright.
Look for installers who are licensed, insured, and have North Dakota-specific experience, as they will understand local permitting, snow load requirements, and utility interconnection processes. Check for certifications like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) and read local reviews. It's essential to get multiple detailed quotes that outline equipment warranties, production estimates for our climate, and a clear timeline from permit to activation.
While technically possible, going completely off-grid in Grand Forks is challenging and costly due to extended periods of low solar production in winter. A more practical and common solution is a grid-tied system with a battery backup. This provides power during outages while allowing you to rely on the grid during prolonged cloudy or snowy stretches, ensuring year-round reliability. Sizing a battery system for Grand Forks' climate requires careful planning for multi-day resilience.