Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Oakes, North Dakota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A rapidly growing regional solar installer known for its straightforward customer approach and focus on $0-down financing options. They handle the entire process from design to permitting and installation, making solar accessible for homeowners. They have a strong presence in North Dakota and actively serve the Oakes area.
A well-established, local North Dakota company based in Fargo. Sundog Solar has built a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship and personalized service. They offer comprehensive services from consultation to maintenance and are particularly knowledgeable about the specific climate and incentive landscape in North Dakota.
A multi-state, certified installer with significant experience and a strong track record. They are a premium provider known for high-quality equipment and professional installations. Their certifications from manufacturers like Tesla and SunPower allow them to offer top-tier products and warranties. They service a wide region that includes southeastern North Dakota.
** The home solar market in Oakes, North Dakota, is characteristic of a rural and small-town environment. There are no dedicated solar installation companies physically headquartered within Oakes itself. Therefore, the market is served by **regional contractors based primarily in Fargo (approx. 100 miles away) and other regional hubs**. The competition level is moderate, with several reputable companies vying for projects in the area, which generally leads to competitive pricing and good customer service. The average quality of installers serving Oakes is high, as the companies that operate across this region are typically well-established, licensed, and insured to work in multiple states and jurisdictions. They are adept at navigating both the specific climatic challenges of North Dakota (snow loads, high winds) and the local utility interconnection processes. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in North Dakota is competitive with the national average, ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For an average-sized 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$20,000 to $28,000**. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which currently allows for a 30% tax credit, significantly reduces the net cost. Providers serving Oakes are generally well-versed in this incentive and can provide consultation on its application. Financing options are plentiful, with most top providers offering loans, leases, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to accommodate different homeowner needs.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Oakes regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Oakes, North Dakota.
Solar panels actually operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures, which benefits Oakes during its crisp, sunny winter days. While snow cover can temporarily reduce production, panels are installed at an angle to encourage snow shedding, and the reflective snow can even boost production on clear days. Your system will be designed to account for seasonal variation, with the long, sunny summer days generating a significant surplus to offset shorter winter production, ensuring a strong annual output.
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 Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which significantly reduces your net cost. Additionally, North Dakota offers a property tax exemption for the added value of the solar system, and you may benefit from net metering programs through your local utility, Oakes Public School District (for city residents) or Dickey Rural Networks, which credit you for excess energy sent back to the grid.
Yes, you will need to obtain an electrical permit from the City of Oakes Building Department (or Dickey County if outside city limits) and your installation must comply with the North Dakota State Electrical Code. Your chosen, licensed North Dakota solar contractor will typically manage this permitting process. It's also essential to coordinate the interconnection agreement with your specific utility provider (OPSD or Dickey Rural Networks) to ensure your system is properly approved to connect to the grid.
Prioritize providers licensed to operate in North Dakota with strong local experience, as they understand regional weather challenges like wind loads and snow. Ask for references from recent installations in Dickey or surrounding counties and verify they use North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)-certified installers. Obtain detailed, written quotes from at least three companies that include equipment specs, production estimates specific to Oakes, warranty details, and a clear breakdown of all costs and projected savings.
Modern solar panels are extremely durable, rated to withstand North Dakota hailstorms (typically tested against 1-inch hail at 50+ mph) and high winds. However, a standard grid-tied solar system will automatically shut off during a utility power outage for safety reasons, to prevent sending electricity back to the grid and endangering repair crews. To have power during an outage, you must invest in a dedicated solar battery storage system (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar), which adds to the initial cost but provides crucial backup power.