Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Tea, South Dakota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sun Solar is a prominent regional installer based in Sioux Falls, SD, with a strong focus on residential and commercial solar energy systems. They are known for providing comprehensive services from initial consultation and design to installation and maintenance. They have extensive experience with South Dakota's climate and utility interconnection processes.
A highly-rated, employee-owned company with a strong reputation across the Midwest. While headquartered in Minnesota, they have a significant presence and dedicated installation teams serving the Sioux Falls region, including Tea. They are praised for their professionalism, customer service, and high-quality system design.
As one of the largest dedicated residential solar companies in the nation, Sunrun offers extensive resources and a strong focus on solar financing options, particularly power purchase agreements (PPAs) and leases. They serve the Tea area through a network of local installation partners and their national infrastructure.
** The home solar market in Tea, South Dakota, is characteristic of a growing suburban area within a major metropolitan region (Sioux Falls). The market is **moderately competitive**, with no solar installers physically based within Tea's city limits, but several highly reputable regional and national providers actively competing for business in the area. The average quality of service is high, as the companies that operate successfully in this market tend to be well-established with proven track records. **Typical pricing** for a residential solar system in the Tea area is generally in line with national averages, ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For an average-sized 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of approximately **$20,000 to $28,000**. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which currently allows for a 30% tax credit on the total system cost, significantly reduces the net price for homeowners. South Dakota also offers a state-specific incentive, a property tax assessment freeze on the added value from a solar energy system, making it more financially attractive. Consumers in this market are well-served by providers who are knowledgeable about these local and federal 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 Tea regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Tea, South Dakota.
Solar panels are efficient in cold, clear weather and actually produce power more effectively when cool. While heavy snow can temporarily cover panels, their slick surface and angle typically cause snow to slide off quickly. Tea's high number of sunny days, especially in summer, provides excellent energy production, and modern systems are designed to handle our full range of seasonal weather effectively.
The average home system in the Tea area ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, South Dakota has a state sales and use tax exemption for solar equipment, and you can claim the 30% federal solar tax credit. Local financing options include solar loans from South Dakota-based lenders and potentially Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing, though it's not yet widely available in Lincoln County. Net metering policies from your local utility (likely Xcel Energy or NorthWestern Energy) will also impact long-term savings.
You will need an electrical permit from the City of Tea Building Department. Your chosen installer will typically manage this process. The system must comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local building codes, including specific requirements for roof load and structural integrity. Finally, your installer will coordinate an interconnection agreement with your utility company to connect your system to the grid.
Prioritize installers licensed in South Dakota with proven experience in the local climate. Ask for references from recent installations in Lincoln County and verify they are insured. Check their membership with the South Dakota Solar Energy Industries Association (SDSEIA). It's essential to get multiple detailed quotes that outline equipment brands, production estimates specific to Tea's weather, warranty terms, and a clear timeline.
South-facing roofs with minimal shading are ideal, but east or west-facing roofs can also be highly effective. A structural assessment is key to ensure your roof can support the system. The best time to install is typically late spring through early fall (May-September), as the ground is not frozen, allowing for safer and easier work. Installing during this period also lets you capitalize on the peak summer sun for immediate production.