Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Groton, 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 highly-reviewed residential solar installers. They offer a comprehensive turnkey service, from initial consultation and system design to installation, maintenance, and financing. They are known for their strong customer service and expertise in local and state incentive programs.
A well-established, locally-owned company specializing in both grid-tied and off-grid solar solutions. Solar Connection is praised for its custom system designs and deep knowledge of battery backup systems, making them a strong choice for rural properties and those seeking energy independence.
A regional installer with a strong presence in the Midwest, All Energy Solar brings extensive experience and robust manufacturer partnerships to South Dakota. They are known for professional project management and high-quality installation work, offering a wide range of services from design to long-term maintenance.
** The home solar market in and around Groton, South Dakota, is characterized by a few key regional specialists rather than a high number of local competitors. The market is moderately competitive, with these established providers competing on service quality, system design expertise, and knowledge of financing rather than on price alone. As a rural community, there is significant interest in both grid-tied systems to reduce electricity costs and robust off-grid or battery-backed solutions for outbuildings and properties with unreliable grid access. Typical pricing for a residential system in this region generally falls between **$2.50 and $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC). For an average-sized 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of $20,000 - $28,000. The quality of service is generally high, as the companies that have succeeded are those with strong reputations and certifications (like NABCEP). Customers benefit from the providers' experience with South Dakota's climate, net metering policies, and available financing options, making the transition to solar a well-supported process.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Groton regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Groton, South Dakota.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Groton, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can apply the 30% federal tax credit, and South Dakota has a state-specific incentive: a property tax exemption for the added value of the solar system. Unlike some states, South Dakota does not have a state income tax credit, but you also benefit from net metering policies from your local utility, which help offset costs over time.
Groton experiences cold, snowy winters and warm, sunny summers. Solar panels are actually more efficient in cooler temperatures, and South Dakota receives strong solar insolation. Winter production is lower due to shorter days and potential snow cover, but panels shed snow relatively easily on their sloped surfaces. The long, sunny summer days generate significant surplus energy, which can be banked via net metering with your utility to offset winter usage.
Prioritize installers with strong local experience in Brown County and across South Dakota. They will understand specific permitting requirements for Groton, optimal panel angles for our latitude, and how to properly design for heavy snow loads. Check for proper licensing (South Dakota requires electrical contractors' licenses), strong warranties, and ask for references from nearby installations. A good local provider will also handle all interconnection paperwork with your utility, like Northern Plains Electric Cooperative or Xcel Energy.
From start to finish, the process typically takes 2 to 4 months. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from local Groton or Brown County authorities, ordering equipment, and the physical installation which usually takes 1-3 days. The final step—receiving "Permission to Operate" from your utility—can add a few weeks for inspection and meter swap. It's best to start the process in spring or early summer to ensure completion during peak sun months.
Net metering is a key benefit in South Dakota. When your panels produce more electricity than your home uses (e.g., on a sunny summer day), the excess is sent to the grid, and your utility meter runs backward, crediting your account. You then draw from those credits at night or during less sunny periods. It's essential to confirm the specific net metering policy and rate structure with your local provider (e.g., Northern Plains Electric Cooperative), as they manage the interconnection and will outline any monthly service fees.