Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Emery, South Dakota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sun Solar is one of South Dakota's most prominent and well-reviewed residential solar installers. They offer a comprehensive turnkey solution, from initial consultation and system design to installation, financing, and maintenance. They are known for their strong manufacturer partnerships and in-house expertise.
A division of the long-standing T. Roof, Inc., this company leverages decades of local construction and roofing expertise into their solar installations. This is a significant advantage for understanding roof integrity and integration. They provide personalized service and are highly rated for customer satisfaction.
Based in Brookings, Solar Connection has a strong presence in eastern South Dakota and is known for its technical expertise and high-quality installations. They specialize in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems, making them an excellent choice for rural properties.
** The home solar market for a rural community like Emery, South Dakota, is characterized by a few key regional players who service a wide geographic area. There is no local, in-town competition, so residents rely on companies from larger hubs like Sioux Falls and Brookings. The competition among these regional providers is moderate but healthy, driving a focus on customer service and quality. The average quality of installations is high, as these companies must adhere to state licensing requirements and national electrical codes. They are well-versed in navigating the specific incentives available to South Dakota residents, such as net metering policies from local utilities and the federal investment tax credit (ITC). Typical pricing for a residential system in South Dakota is competitive with the national average, generally 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 strong net metering policy in South Dakota makes solar a financially viable option for reducing long-term energy costs.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Emery regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Emery, South Dakota.
For a typical Emery home, a solar system costs between $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives, depending on system size. Key financial benefits include the 30% federal tax credit and South Dakota's state property tax exemption for renewable energy systems, which prevents your property taxes from increasing due to the solar installation. While South Dakota does not have a state income tax credit, net metering is available from local utilities like Xcel Energy, allowing you to earn credits for excess power sent to the grid.
Emery's cold, sunny winters are actually beneficial for solar panel efficiency, as panels produce more power in cooler temperatures. While summer days are long and productive, snow cover in winter can temporarily reduce output, though panels often shed snow quickly due to their slick, angled surface. Annually, South Dakota receives strong solar irradiation comparable to parts of Florida, making it an excellent location for solar, with production highest from spring through fall.
Prioritize installers with strong local experience in South Dakota who understand regional building codes, common roof types, and interconnection processes with utilities like Xcel Energy or Sioux Valley Energy. Ensure they are properly licensed, insured, and offer strong warranties. It's highly recommended to get multiple quotes and ask for references from recent installations in nearby towns like Mitchell or Salem to compare service and pricing.
From contract to activation, the process typically takes 2 to 4 months. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from local Emery or Hanson County authorities, scheduling installation (which itself takes 1-3 days), and finally the utility interconnection approval. Seasonal weather can impact scheduling, and the utility's final inspection and meter swap can add a few weeks, so planning for a spring or summer installation is often ideal.
Modern solar panels installed by reputable companies are rigorously tested to withstand Emery's severe weather, including hail up to 1 inch in diameter at high speeds. Most panels carry a UL 61730 rating and are built to meet South Dakota's building codes for wind and impact resistance. Furthermore, your system will be included under your homeowner's insurance policy, and installers typically offer product and workmanship warranties that cover such damage.