Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Thompson, North Dakota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Pure Energy Solar is a leading regional installer known for its high-quality custom designs and exceptional customer service. They handle the entire process from initial consultation and system design to installation, maintenance, and navigating local incentives. They are a full-service provider with a strong reputation for both grid-tied and off-grid solutions.
Sundog Solar is a well-established North Dakota company specializing in residential and commercial solar projects. They are praised for their technical expertise, professional installations, and deep knowledge of the state's specific climate and incentive programs. They offer comprehensive services from energy assessments to financing.
Lakeland Energy focuses on integrating solar power with advanced home efficiency. They provide a holistic approach, often starting with an energy efficiency assessment to ensure the solar system is optimally sized. They are a key provider for homeowners looking to maximize energy independence with battery backups.
** The home solar market in and around Thompson, North Dakota, is characterized by a small number of highly specialized, regional providers rather than a high volume of local competition. The companies that succeed in this market are typically based in Grand Forks or Fargo and have built their reputation on quality and reliability to serve a widespread customer base across eastern North Dakota. **Average Quality & Competition:** The quality of service is generally high, as the companies operating here must be robust enough to handle North Dakota's extreme weather conditions, from heavy snow loads to high winds. They are typically certified by major manufacturers (e.g., Tesla, Enphase, Q CELLS) and maintain North Dakota electrical and contractor licenses. The competition is not saturated, allowing these established firms to focus on craftsmanship over aggressive marketing. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is competitive with national averages, typically ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For an average-sized residential system (8-10 kW), this translates to a gross cost of **$20,000 to $35,000**. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) can reduce this cost by 30%. Financing options are widely available through these providers, including loans and leases, making solar more accessible. Knowledge of local utility net metering policies (e.g., from Minnkota Power Cooperative) is a key strength of these regional installers.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Thompson regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Thompson, North Dakota.
Solar panels are very effective in Thompson's climate, as they convert sunlight, not heat, into electricity. Cold temperatures can actually improve panel efficiency, and modern systems are designed to perform well with our high number of annual sunny days, even in winter. Snow typically slides off angled panels quickly, and production during long summer days often generates a significant surplus to offset lower winter output.
The average gross cost for a residential 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 tax credit of up to $500, and you should check with Cass County and your local utility, Cass County Electric Cooperative, for any additional rebates or net metering policies.
Yes, you will need to obtain a building permit from the City of Thompson. Your chosen installer will typically handle this process. It's also essential to coordinate with Cass County Electric Cooperative for interconnection approval to ensure your system safely connects to the grid and qualifies for net metering, which credits you for excess power sent back to the utility.
Look for installers who are licensed, insured, and have North Dakota-specific experience. Ask for local references from homes in Thompson or nearby towns like Grand Forks or Fargo to see their work. Verify they are familiar with Cass County Electric's interconnection process and can provide a detailed production estimate that accounts for our specific seasonal weather patterns.
Your system will remain connected to the grid through Cass County Electric Cooperative. During low-production days, you will seamlessly draw power from the utility as normal. Net metering acts like a battery account, using credits earned from sunny days to offset these costs. For backup during outages, you would need to invest in a separate battery storage system, which is an additional option.