Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Brandon, South Dakota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A regional leader in solar installation with a strong presence in the Upper Midwest. They are known for comprehensive in-house services, from initial consultation and system design to installation and maintenance. Their team is highly trained and they have a proven track record with both residential and commercial projects in South Dakota.
A Sioux Falls-based company dedicated exclusively to solar energy systems. They emphasize local expertise, customer education, and high-quality craftsmanship. They are well-versed in local permitting, net metering policies with MidAmerican Energy, and available state incentives.
A larger, multi-state solar installer with a significant operational base in Sioux Falls. They offer streamlined processes and often have promotional financing options. Their scale allows for strong manufacturer partnerships, which can translate to competitive pricing and robust warranty offerings.
** The home solar market in Brandon, SD, is part of the broader and growing Sioux Falls metro market. The market quality is **moderate to high**, dominated by a few established regional and local specialists. Competition is healthy but not oversaturated, which generally leads to good customer service as companies compete on reputation and quality rather than just price. **Typical Pricing:** For a standard residential grid-tied system without battery storage, homeowners can expect to pay between **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. This translates to a gross cost of approximately **$21,000 to $35,000** for a typical 7-10 kW system. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which currently allows for a 30% tax credit, significantly reduces the net cost. South Dakota also has a state-specific incentive, a property tax assessment freeze on the added value from a solar system, which is a key benefit providers will help homeowners navigate. The most critical factor for Brandon residents is selecting a provider with proven experience in the local climate and utility landscape, particularly with MidAmerican Energy's interconnection and net metering policies. All three companies listed above possess this essential local expertise.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Brandon regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Brandon, South Dakota.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Brandon, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Critically, South Dakota offers a state tax credit of 9% of the system cost (capped at $5,000), which stacks with the 30% federal tax credit. Brandon homeowners should also check with their specific utility, like Xcel Energy or Sioux Valley Energy, for any local rebates or net metering programs that can further reduce the net cost.
Solar panels generate electricity from light, not heat, and actually operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures. While winter days are shorter, panels often perform well on clear, cold days. Snow can temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle, and snow typically slides off or melts quickly. The long, sunny summer days in the Northern Plains provide excellent production, making the annual energy yield very effective.
Installing solar in Brandon requires a building permit from the City of Brandon's Building Department. Your installer should handle this process, which ensures the system meets local building and electrical codes. Crucially, you must also submit an interconnection application to your utility (e.g., Xcel Energy) for approval to connect your system to the grid and participate in net metering, a process mandated by the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission.
Prioritize installers with strong local experience in Eastern South Dakota, as they understand regional weather challenges and utility requirements. Verify they are licensed, insured, and certified (e.g., NABCEP). Ask for references from recent Brandon or Minnehaha County installations and ensure they provide detailed production estimates specific to your home's orientation and local weather patterns. A reputable local provider will also handle all permitting and interconnection paperwork.
Yes, net metering is available and is a state-regulated policy. Under net metering, your solar system's excess energy is sent to the grid, and your utility meter spins backward, giving you a credit on your bill. At night or during low production, you draw power and use those credits. It's essential to confirm the specific net metering rules with your provider, as policies on credit rollover (annually) and rates can vary between investor-owned utilities like Xcel and cooperatives like Sioux Valley Energy.