Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Fulton, South Dakota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Aardvark Solar is a highly respected, locally-owned and operated company specializing in custom residential and commercial solar installations. They are known for their expert system design, high-quality components, and deep knowledge of South Dakota's specific climate and incentive landscape. They handle the entire process from consultation to permitting and installation.
Sun Solar Solutions is a prominent regional installer with a strong focus on customer education and flexible financing. They offer a wide range of products and are a certified installer for major brands, ensuring robust manufacturer warranties. They excel at designing grid-tied systems that maximize energy production and savings.
Absolute Energy provides a comprehensive suite of energy services, with solar being a core component. Their advantage is offering integrated solutions, combining solar with other home energy upgrades. They are particularly strong in system maintenance, repair, and long-term performance monitoring.
** The home solar market for residents of Fulton, South Dakota, is characterized by high-quality, regional service providers based in the Sioux Falls area. There is no direct, hyper-local competition within Fulton itself, meaning homeowners are served by established companies from the nearest major population center. This results in a market that is professional and competitive among the top-tier providers, who bring extensive experience and robust service offerings. The competition level is moderate but of high quality; the leading companies differentiate themselves through specialized services (e.g., off-grid expertise, specific financing options, or integrated energy solutions) rather than on price alone. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC). This translates to a gross cost of approximately **$15,000 to $35,000** for a typical 6-10 kW system. These companies are well-versed in navigating net metering policies with local utilities and are adept at helping customers understand and leverage available federal and state incentives.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Fulton regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Fulton, South Dakota.
Solar panels actually operate more efficiently in colder temperatures, so Fulton's winters can be beneficial for production on clear days. While winter days are shorter and snow cover can temporarily reduce output, South Dakota enjoys strong solar insolation, especially in summer, leading to excellent annual energy production. It's important to install panels at an angle that helps shed snow and to factor in seasonal variation when sizing your system.
The gross cost for a typical residential system in Fulton ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, South Dakota has a state tax incentive that offers a 100% refund of the state sales tax (currently 4.2%) paid on your solar equipment. Combined with the 30% federal solar tax credit, this significantly reduces your net investment, and you should also check with your local utility, Xcel Energy or others, for any additional rebates.
Yes, you must comply with local building codes and may need a permit from the Hanson County or Fulton city building department. South Dakota has "net metering" rules, which require investor-owned utilities like Xcel Energy to credit you for excess power sent to the grid, but the specific rate and terms can vary. It's essential to submit an interconnection application to your utility for approval before installation begins.
Look for installers who are licensed, insured, and have specific experience with South Dakota's climate and utility interconnection processes. Ask for local references in Fulton or nearby towns like Mitchell, and verify they are certified by a body like NABCEP. Get multiple detailed quotes that include post-installation service and warranty support, as local or regional companies often provide more responsive long-term service than distant national firms.
Modern solar panels are rigorously tested to withstand severe weather, including hail up to one inch in diameter at high speeds. When selecting a system, look for panels with a high hail rating (e.g., UL 61730 or IEC 61215 Class 4) and discuss this durability with your installer. Furthermore, your homeowner's insurance policy in South Dakota typically covers solar panels, but you should confirm this with your agent to ensure you're protected against extreme weather events.