Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Madison, South Dakota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A well-established, local South Dakota company with a specific office in Madison. They specialize in end-to-end residential solar solutions, from custom design and installation to ongoing maintenance. They are known for their deep knowledge of local permitting, South Dakota-specific incentives, and providing personalized service.
A regional leader based in Sioux Falls with a strong reputation for quality and professionalism. They serve the entire Eastern South Dakota region, including Madison. They are a full-service provider offering design, installation, and maintenance, with expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid systems. They have strong manufacturer partnerships and offer robust warranties.
While primarily known as a comprehensive home services company, their electrical division has a dedicated and highly-rated solar installation team. Based in Sioux Falls, they serve Madison and are a great option for homeowners looking for a single provider that can handle solar, electrical upgrades, and energy efficiency assessments together.
** The home solar market in Madison, South Dakota, is characteristic of a smaller, rural city with high solar potential. The competition level is moderate, with one dedicated local installer and several established regional players from Sioux Falls actively competing for projects in the area. This structure generally benefits the consumer, as they have a choice between hyper-localized service and the resources of larger companies. The average quality of installers serving Madison is high, with companies typically holding certifications from major manufacturers like Tesla, Generac, and leading panel producers. Pricing is competitive with national averages, with a typical residential system (before incentives) ranging from **$15,000 to $25,000** for a 5kW to 8kW system. However, the effective cost is significantly lowered by the 30% federal solar tax credit and the absence of state sales tax on solar installations in South Dakota. Knowledge of these incentives is standard among the top providers. The market is primarily focused on grid-tied systems with battery storage becoming an increasingly popular add-on for energy security.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Madison regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Madison, South Dakota.
For a typical 6-8 kW residential system in Madison, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can claim the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) to significantly reduce this cost. While South Dakota does not have a state-level tax credit, Madison residents should check with their local utility, Missouri Valley Electric, for any specific rebates or net metering policies that can impact long-term savings.
Solar panels are very effective in Madison's climate. They generate the most energy during the long, sunny summer days. While winter production is lower due to shorter days, cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency, and modern panels shed snow relatively quickly. Proper system design, including the panel tilt angle, is optimized to maximize annual production and handle seasonal variations.
Installing solar in Madison requires compliance with City of Madison building and electrical codes, which typically involve obtaining a building permit. Your chosen installer will usually manage this process. Importantly, you must coordinate with your utility, Missouri Valley Electric, for interconnection approval to ensure your system safely connects to the grid and qualifies for net metering, which credits you for excess power sent back.
Look for established, local or regional installers with specific experience in South Dakota's climate and utility requirements. Verify they are properly licensed and insured. Ask for references from past customers in the Lake County area and compare detailed proposals that include system design, equipment brands, production estimates, and warranty terms. A trustworthy provider will offer a clear explanation of costs, financing, and the expected timeline.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during a power outage for safety reasons, to protect utility workers. To have power during an outage, you need a system with battery storage (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar). This is a valuable consideration for Madison homeowners given the potential for severe weather-related outages. Your installer can design a system with backup capability to meet this need.