Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Ray, North Dakota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional solar installer known for high-quality residential and commercial systems. They offer comprehensive services from initial consultation and system design to installation, maintenance, and financing. Their expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid/battery backup solutions is a significant strength in rural North Dakota.
A well-established local contractor specializing in making solar energy accessible for homeowners and farms in Western North Dakota. They are praised for their personalized customer service, deep knowledge of local incentives and net metering, and robust system design.
One of North Dakota's longest-serving solar companies, offering extensive experience across the state. They provide a full suite of services and are known for their strong manufacturer partnerships, ensuring high-quality equipment and robust warranties for their customers.
** The home solar market in and around Ray, North Dakota, is characterized by a small number of highly specialized, regional providers rather than a crowded field of local competitors. Due to the rural nature of the area, the providers that do operate here are exceptionally skilled in designing systems that can handle the region's harsh climate, including heavy snow loads and extreme temperature swings. The competition is moderate but of high quality, with these established companies competing on reputation, service quality, and expertise in off-grid and battery backup solutions, which are particularly valuable for rural properties. Typical pricing for a residential system is generally in line with the national average, ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For an average 6 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$15,000 to $21,000**. However, the effective cost is significantly lowered by the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and potential local utility incentives. The high level of expertise required for the local conditions means homeowners are well-served by choosing an experienced, insured, and certified local installer from the region rather than seeking out-of-state options.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Ray regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Ray, North Dakota.
Solar panels are surprisingly effective in North Dakota's climate. Cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency, and modern panels perform well in diffuse light. While winter production is lower, the long summer days with up to 16 hours of sunlight generate significant surplus energy, which can be banked as credits with your utility (Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative or Burke-Divide Electric Cooperative) via net metering to offset winter usage. Proper installation with a steep tilt helps shed snow quickly.
The gross cost for a typical home system in Ray 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 the net cost. North Dakota also offers a state tax credit of up to $500 and a 5-year property tax exemption for the added home value from solar. Local co-ops may have additional rebate programs, so it's important to ask providers.
Yes, you will need to obtain an electrical permit from Mountrail County. Your chosen solar provider will typically manage this process. It is also essential to coordinate with your local electric cooperative (likely MWEC or BDEC) for interconnection approval to ensure your system meets their specific technical requirements for grid-tied systems. There are no restrictive homeowners association (HOA) solar laws in North Dakota, protecting your right to install.
Look for installers with North Dakota-specific experience, as they understand local climate challenges and utility requirements. Key criteria include proper North Dakota electrical and contractor licensing, strong local references, and warranties on both equipment and workmanship. It's advisable to get quotes from at least three companies that service Mountrail County and verify they are in good standing with the North Dakota Secretary of State.
From contract to activation, plan for a timeline of 3 to 5 months. This period includes system design, securing county permits, and scheduling installation around the weather. The actual installation typically takes 1-3 days. The longest phase is often waiting for your electric cooperative to complete the final interconnection inspection and install a net meter, which can take several weeks after the physical install is complete.