Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sunrun is a national leader in residential solar and battery storage, offering a strong local presence in Sioux Falls. They are known for their flexible financing options, including purchase, loan, and popular Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) plans. Their strong manufacturer partnerships provide access to high-quality equipment and robust warranty coverage.
A highly-rated local Sioux Falls company specializing in both solar and roofing, which is a significant advantage for integrated projects or re-roofing alongside solar installation. They emphasize custom design, high-quality craftsmanship, and personalized customer service. Their local expertise is valuable for navigating Sioux Falls-specific permitting and utility interconnection.
A well-established, full-service electrical contractor that has expanded into a premier local solar installer. Their deep roots in electrical work ensure systems are installed to the highest electrical code standards. They are experts in both grid-tied and more complex off-grid or backup power solutions, offering a consultative approach to system design.
The home solar market in Sioux Falls is **moderately competitive and growing steadily**. While not as saturated as markets in sunnier states, several strong national players (like Sunrun) and highly reputable local/regional contractors (like Absolute Solar and TCI Electric) serve the area. The average quality of installers is high, with companies needing to maintain excellent reputations in a tight-knit community. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For an average 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of $20,000 - $28,000. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which currently allows for a 30% tax credit, significantly reduces the net cost. South Dakota does not have a state-level tax credit, but Sioux Falls residents benefit from net metering through Xcel Energy, which provides a credit for excess energy sent back to the grid. Overall, the market is characterized by knowledgeable providers who are well-versed in the available financial incentives and the specific climate considerations of Eastern South Dakota.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Sioux Falls regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Solar panels actually operate more efficiently in colder temperatures, and winter sunlight is still productive. While shorter days and potential snow cover in December and January reduce output, modern panels are designed to shed snow, and our long summer days with high sun angles lead to excellent annual production. On average, a well-designed Sioux Falls system will produce significant energy year-round, with the majority generated from spring through fall.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Sioux Falls, homeowners can expect a gross cost between $18,000 and $28,000 before incentives. Crucially, you are eligible for the 30% federal tax credit, and South Dakota has a state-specific incentive: a property tax exemption for the added home value from the solar installation. Additionally, Sioux Falls-based Xcel Energy offers net metering, crediting you for excess power sent back to the grid.
Prioritize installers with extensive local experience who understand Sioux Falls' specific permitting process, Xcel Energy's interconnection requirements, and regional roof load considerations for snow. Check for South Dakota-licensed electricians and strong warranties. It's highly recommended to get multiple quotes from established local or regional companies and ask for references from recent Sioux Falls installations to verify their work quality and customer service.
The ideal installation time is late spring, summer, or early fall to avoid winter weather delays. From signing a contract to system activation, the process typically takes 2 to 4 months. This timeline includes site assessment, system design, securing permits from the City of Sioux Falls, scheduling the installation, and final inspection and interconnection approval from Xcel Energy.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during an outage for safety reasons, so you would not have power unless you add a critical component: battery storage. Many Sioux Falls homeowners pair their solar arrays with a home battery (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar) to provide backup power for essential circuits. This is a valuable consideration given our region's potential for severe weather and winter storms that can cause outages.