Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Long Lake, South Dakota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A regional leader in residential and commercial solar installations 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, ensuring quality control. They have extensive experience with both grid-tied and off-grid systems, making them an excellent fit for rural properties.
A dedicated South Dakota-based installer focused on providing customized solar energy solutions. They emphasize local expertise, understanding South Dakota's specific incentives, net metering policies, and climate. They offer robust financing options and are partners with top-tier equipment manufacturers.
A South Dakota-owned company that provides a full suite of energy services, with a strong focus on solar PV and battery backup systems. They differentiate themselves with holistic energy efficiency assessments to ensure the solar system is part of an overall strategy to reduce home energy costs.
The home solar market in and around Long Lake, South Dakota, is characterized by a reliance on regional providers from larger hubs like Sioux Falls and Aberdeen. Due to the rural nature of the area, the market is not highly saturated with local competitors, but the regional companies that do serve it are experienced and reputable. The level of service quality is generally high, as these established companies compete on reputation and service in a widespread geographic area. Typical pricing for a residential system in South Dakota is competitive with the national average, ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. This translates to a gross cost of approximately **$15,000 to $30,000** for a typical 6-10 kW system. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) can reduce this cost by 30%. South Dakota also has a state-specific incentive in the form of a property tax exemption for the added value from a solar energy system, which providers in this region are well-versed in explaining. The combination of open land and frequent power reliability needs makes battery storage and off-grid capable systems a popular consideration for homes in the Long Lake region.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Long Lake regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Long Lake, South Dakota.
Solar panels are efficient in cold, clear weather and actually produce power more effectively when cool. While winter snow cover can temporarily reduce output, panels are installed at an angle to help snow slide off, and South Dakota's high number of sunny days, especially in summer, provides excellent annual production. You can expect your system to generate the majority of its power from spring through fall, offsetting lower winter production.
After the 30% federal tax credit, a typical residential system in South Dakota costs between $15,000 and $25,000. Key local incentives include net metering programs from providers like Northern Plains Electric Cooperative, which credit you for excess power sent to the grid, and South Dakota's state property tax exemption for the added home value from solar. These significantly improve the long-term return on investment.
Yes, you will need to secure a building permit from McPherson County. The process is generally straightforward for residential rooftop solar, but it's crucial to work with an installer familiar with local codes. There are no restrictive homeowners association (HOA) solar rights laws in South Dakota, so if you live in a governed community, you should review your covenants.
Prioritize installers with extensive experience in South Dakota's climate and who are licensed, bonded, and insured. Ask for local references in McPherson County and verify they handle the entire process, including county permits and interconnection with your utility (e.g., Northern Plains Electric). A strong warranty (25 years on panels, 10+ years on workmanship) is essential.
Modern solar panels are rigorously tested to withstand severe weather, including hail up to one inch in diameter at 50+ mph and high wind loads. When selecting a system, ensure the panels are rated for such conditions and that your installer uses robust, code-compliant racking. This durability is a key reason solar is a viable and growing option in South Dakota.