Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A regional leader with a strong reputation for high-quality residential and commercial solar installations. They handle the entire process in-house, from design and permitting to installation and maintenance, and are known for their expertise with complex roofing situations and battery storage integration.
As the local electric utility provider, Black Hills Energy offers a certified contractor program for solar interconnection. They do not install systems themselves but vet and provide a list of approved, local installers. This is a critical resource for ensuring any installed system is grid-tied correctly and for understanding net metering policies.
A dedicated solar contractor serving the Black Hills region. They are known for personalized service and expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid systems, which is valuable for properties in more rural areas around the base. They offer comprehensive services from consultation to maintenance.
** The home solar market in the Ellsworth AFB/Rapid City area is a developing but stable market characterized by a few key regional and local specialists rather than a high volume of national competitors. The high number of sunny days in South Dakota provides excellent solar potential, but the market growth is moderated by the region's relatively low electricity costs from Black Hills Energy. **Average Quality & Competition:** The quality of service is generally high, as the limited number of providers are established businesses that rely on strong reputations. Competition is not intense, which means less aggressive sales tactics but also necessitates due diligence from the homeowner. **Typical Pricing:** The cost for a residential solar system in South Dakota is generally in line with the national average, approximately **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For a typical 6 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of $16,800 to $21,000. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) of 30% significantly reduces this net cost. Financing options are readily available through the providers, including loans and leases. It is highly recommended to use a Black Hills Energy certified installer to ensure a smooth grid-tied interconnection and to take full advantage of the state's net metering policy.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Ellsworth AFB regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota.
Solar panels actually perform more efficiently in cooler temperatures, so Ellsworth's cold, sunny winter days can be very productive. While winter snow cover can temporarily reduce output, panels are installed at an angle to help shed snow, and our high number of annual sunny days (over 210) provides excellent annual generation. Summer brings long daylight hours, maximizing production to offset higher air conditioning costs.
The average home solar system in South Dakota costs between $18,000 and $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, you are eligible for the 30% federal solar tax credit, which significantly reduces the net cost. Additionally, South Dakota has no state sales tax on solar equipment, and Black Hills Energy offers a net metering program, crediting you for excess power sent back to the grid.
Yes, you must check with both the City of Box Elder or Rapid City (depending on your specific location) for building permits and electrical codes. If you live in base housing or a community with an HOA, you must review their covenants. South Dakota has a "solar rights" law that limits HOAs' ability to outright prohibit solar, but they can have reasonable rules on placement.
The entire process typically takes 2 to 4 months. This timeline includes site assessment, system design, securing permits from local authorities, scheduling installation (which itself takes 1-3 days), and finally, the necessary inspection and interconnection approval from Black Hills Energy. Seasonal weather can sometimes cause minor delays in the installation phase.
Choose a provider licensed, insured, and experienced with South Dakota's climate and Black Hills Energy's interconnection process. Look for established local companies with strong reviews and ask for references from nearby installations. A reputable provider will conduct a detailed site assessment, explain how net metering works here, and provide a clear production estimate that accounts for our seasonal weather patterns.