Best Solar Companies in North Dakota

There’s no shortage of solar companies in North Dakota. So we figured, why not save you some time? We researched the local residential solar installers and read through hundreds of reviews.
These residential solar companies made the cut because they do good work consistently. They understand North Dakota’s solar scene, they’re responsive when issues pop up, and their customers tend to be happy. Worth a conversation if you’re serious about solar energy for residential homes.

Find the Best Solar Installers in North Dakota

How Much Can Residential Solar Panels Save You in North Dakota?

There’s no simple answer to how much you’ll save with solar power for residential homes in North Dakota – it really depends on your situation. Your utility company’s billing structure matters, as does the size of the residential solar power system your roof can handle and how much electricity your household uses. Most installers will try to cover all your energy needs, but your actual savings depend on your home’s unique setup.

Before incentives, expect to pay somewhere between $15,000 and $30,000 for a typical residential solar installation in North Dakota. The exact cost depends on your residential solar energy system size and energy requirements.

Want an estimate just for you? Fill out the form on our website, try a solar calculator, or consult with a couple of local residential solar installers for a personalized savings calculation.

Solar Financing Explained for Residential Solar Systems

You’ve got several ways to pay for solar panels:

• Cash
• Solar loans from installers
• Personal loans
• Cash-out refinance or HELOC
• Solar leases or PPAs

Paying Cash: Cash gives you the best long-term savings and the lowest overall cost for your residential solar power system. But let’s be real – not everyone has $15,000 to $20,000 sitting in the bank. If you want to own your system but can’t pay up front, financing is your next option.

Getting a Loan: Personal loans, home equity lines, or installer-offered solar loans all work. Just watch out for the fine print – loans come with interest and fees. Many solar loans include dealer fees that can bump up your total residential solar installation cost by 20% or more (they offset this with lower interest rates). Smart move? Compare dealer fees and rates between different residential solar companies before signing anything.

Don’t skip this: ask for their cost per watt. That’s your real comparison tool when residential solar energy system sizes vary between installers.

Leasing or PPAs: Some businesses let you rent or buy power with no money down. It sounds great, doesn’t it? The catch is that you don’t own the panels, so you can’t get rebates or federal incentives. Also, the monthly payments to the solar company take money out of your savings.

Get detailed savings projections from installers before deciding. Even with financing costs, you’ll typically still pay less for electricity than you do now. Understanding all your options – including available federal and state programs – helps you make the smartest financial choice for your residential solar energy system.

What You'll Pay for Solar Panels in North Dakota?

Understanding how much solar panels cost in North Dakota helps you plan your residential solar installation. When homeowners ask "how much do solar panels cost?" the answer varies by system size and installation complexity. North Dakota continues in 2026 as one of the more affordable states for solar panel installation. Here's what the cost for residential solar panels typically looks like:

Quick Facts About North Dakota Solar Costs

• Residential solar cost per watt runs between $2.86 and $3.44, compared to the $3.03 national average
• Most homes need around 11 kW to cover their electricity needs
• The average cost of a residential solar system (11 kW) ranges from $31,504 to $37,840
• Typical monthly electric bills hover around $136
• North Dakota households consume roughly 1,091 kWh each month

Your total cost to install solar panels covers everything—the panels themselves, inverters, mounting hardware, wiring, labor, permits, and the actual installation work. The cost of a residential solar system in North Dakota is competitive because homes tend to use more electricity than the national average, making that 11 kW system size pretty standard here.

Financial Incentives Worth Knowing About

Understanding These Incentives

Property tax exemptions work differently in North Dakota. When you install solar panels in North Dakota, your home's value typically jumps by about 4.1%. Normally, that would mean higher property taxes. Not in North Dakota. For five years after installation, the state won't touch your property tax assessment despite that added value.

Net metering is available to qualifying customers. North Dakota's net metering policy applies to renewable energy systems up to 100 kilowatts in capacity. It's available to customers of investor-owned electric utilities such as Montana-Dakota Utilities and Otter Tail Power Company. Note that Xcel Energy (Northern States Power Company) no longer offers net metering for residential solar systems in North Dakota. If you have net excess generation at the end of a monthly billing period, utilities must purchase it at their avoided cost rate. Montana-Dakota's current avoided cost rate is $0.0269/kWh for North Dakota customers.

What Makes North Dakota Different for Solar

Sun and Weather Patterns

People assume North Dakota's brutal winters make solar panels in North Dakota impractical. Not true. The state gets about 201 sunny days annually—nearly matching the national average of 205. During peak hours, you're looking at roughly 4.65 hours of good sunlight daily.

This may seem strange, but solar panels work better when it's cold. Yes, winter reduces output because days are shorter and snow can cover panels. But those long summer days? They're incredibly productive. North Dakota's western counties catch more sun than eastern areas, though both regions work well for solar.

Dealing With Paperwork and Utilities

Most residential solar installers handle the permitting headaches for you. Each utility company has its own interconnection process, but Xcel Energy and Otter Tail Power Company have published clear guidelines that experienced residential solar companies know inside and out.

Timeline Expectations

How Long Does Installation Take?

From your first consultation to flipping the switch, expect 2–4 months for a complete residential solar installation:

• Initial consultation and system design: 1–2 weeks
• Permit applications and approvals: 2–6 weeks
• Ordering and receiving equipment: 2–4 weeks
• Actual installation work: 1–3 days
• Final inspection and utility connection: 1–4 weeks

What Might Slow Things Down

There are a number of things that can make this timeline longer. The speed at which local government offices process permits varies. Winter weather can make installations take longer. Utility companies move at their own pace for approvals. And if your roof needs work before installing solar panels, that will also take more time.

Working with a certified residential solar installer smooths out many of these potential delays. They are familiar with the rules in the area and have built relationships with companies and permit offices.

Does Solar Make Financial Sense in North Dakota?

Your Electricity Savings

When considering how much does it cost to install solar panels versus how much you'll save, North Dakota residents use more electricity than most Americans—about 1,091 kWh monthly versus the national average. With bills averaging $136 per month, there's real money to be saved.

A typical residential solar system cuts annual electricity costs by roughly $1,632. Multiply that over a 25-year system lifespan, and you're looking at approximately $40,800 in total savings.

When Will Your Investment Pay Off?

North Dakota's average payback period sits at around 13-14 years. Most homeowners see payback somewhere between 11 and 16 years. Several factors determine where you'll fall in that range:

Your system's size and what you paid for it matter most. How much electricity you actually use affects the calculation. And your roof's orientation plus any shading issues impact how much power you generate.

Once you've recouped your investment, you've still got 10 to 15 years of essentially free electricity ahead of you. That's where the real value accumulates.

Home Value Boost

Research shows residential solar panels increase home values by 4.1% on average. In North Dakota, where homes typically sell for around $270,000, that translates to roughly $11,070 in added value. You're essentially getting paid for something that also reduces your monthly expenses.

Environmental Impact

Beyond the financial benefits, solar energy for residential homes reduces your reliance on fossil fuels and cuts your carbon footprint. For many North Dakota homeowners, that environmental angle matters as much as the money they save.

Is Your Home a Good Candidate?

Not all properties are equally good for solar. Consider the following: To get the most sun, your roof should face south or west. Trees or nearby buildings that cast shadows will reduce your system's efficiency. Solar makes the most financial sense if you're currently using more than 500 kWh monthly. And you'll see the best return if you plan to stay in your home for at least 10 years—otherwise, you might sell before hitting that payback period.

Are Solar Panels Worth It in North Dakota?

The number of solar panels being put up across North Dakota has been slowly rising. The cost of solar panels stays low, and they save you a lot of money on energy over time. Even though North Dakota's energy rates aren't as high as those in some other states, the mix of falling equipment costs and rising power costs makes solar more appealing.

When evaluating how much are solar panels and whether the cost of solar panel installation makes sense for your situation, consider both short-term expenses and long-term benefits. Many homeowners think that installing solar panels on their homes makes them energy independent and protects them from future rate hikes by the utility companies. Solar is still a good investment for suitable homeowners who plan to stay in their houses for a long time because they can get property tax breaks and use net metering (where available).

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do We Rank Residential Solar Installers?

Picking a solar installer shouldn’t be a guessing game. We built our rating system to help homeowners make informed solar decisions and avoid common pitfalls in the industry.
Here’s how it works: 5-star system, plain and simple. Five stars means a company is legitimately excellent – the kind you’d recommend to your own family. One star? Run away. We wouldn’t touch them with a ten-foot pole, and neither should you. Our ratings pull from everywhere – EnergySage, SolarReviews, BBB, Google Reviews, Yelp, ConsumerAffairs, Trustpilot, the works. But we’re not just averaging star ratings like some algorithm. We read the actual reviews. Are they consistently delivering what they promise, or just occasionally getting lucky?

What Actually Matters When We Evaluate Residential Solar Companies?

• Years in business. Five minimum. Non-negotiable. If a company’s been around less than that, they haven’t weathered any real challenges yet. And think about it – solar panels last 25-30 years. You need an installer who’s built their business model around supporting customers long-term, not just showing up for installation day and disappearing.
• Local vs. national – and it’s not even close. Check the numbers yourself. Local residential solar installers consistently get better reviews than the big chains. Their reputation actually matters because word spreads fast in local communities. They know the permit process in North Dakota specifically. They understand your local utility company’s quirks and requirements.
• Hands-on experience. Residential solar energy companies that have hundreds of installations behind them move differently. They’ve seen every bizarre roof situation. They know exactly how to handle older homes with outdated electrical wiring. First-time installers? They’re figuring it out as they go – on your roof, with your money.
• Who’s actually doing the work? Some companies use their own crews. Others outsource everything to whoever’s available. Guess which ones deliver better quality? When residential solar energy companies employ their own installation teams, those workers know they’re accountable. Something breaks later? You call the company, and they send the same team that did the original work. With subcontractors, you’re lucky if you can track down who actually touched your system.
• What people actually say. We check SolarReviews, BBB, Google, Yelp – anywhere real customers leave feedback. But star ratings alone don’t tell the whole story. How does a company handle a one-star review? Do they fix the problem or argue with the customer? Customer reviews show what really happens after you sign the contract.
• Licenses and certifications. Should be obvious, but apparently it’s not. Licensed, insured, NABCEP certified if possible (that’s the actual gold standard for residential solar panel installers, not marketing fluff). Companies cutting corners on basic credentials – what else are they skimping on?
• Equipment quality swings wildly. Good residential solar energy companies stock equipment from solid manufacturers – SunPower, LG, Panasonic, Canadian Solar, brands like that. Lower-tier installers? They push whatever vendor gave them the best wholesale price this quarter, regardless of quality. Ask them straight up: “What brands do you install and why those specifically?” Watch how they answer. That’ll tell you if they prioritize system performance or profit margins.
• Payment options. The best residential solar companies give you real choices – loans, leases, PPAs – and actually walk you through what makes sense for your situation. Huge red flag: companies that only offer one financing option. Usually means it’s structured to maximize their profit, not your savings.
• Warranties separate the pros from the amateurs. Look for 10-12 years on workmanship, minimum. Strong performance guarantees. Your residential solar power system costs serious money. It better have protection beyond the basic manufacturer’s warranty on the panels themselves.

Our Classification System: What the Tags Mean?

We label companies to save you research time:

• Expert Choice: Long-established companies with extensive workmanship warranties and in-house installation crews exclusively. The veterans with the strongest track records.
• Trusted Provider: Multi-state operations that still manage to deliver quality work. Good local reputation, positive customer feedback. They handle installations directly instead of outsourcing.
• Market Leader: Tons of verified reviews, customers are consistently happy. Proven track record of consistent, reliable service.

Stick with “Expert Choice,” “Trusted Provider,” or “Market Leader” tags. They earned those classifications through actual performance, not by paying for better placement. The difference matters more than you’d think.

What to Look for in a Residential Solar Company?

Shopping for solar energy for residential use? Here’s what separates good residential solar companies from ones you’ll regret hiring:

• Check credentials first. NABCEP certification is what you want to see – it’s the real deal in solar. Beyond that, make sure they’re licensed, bonded, and insured for your area. Using subcontractors? Those crews better have proper credentials, too, not just some guys with ladders.
• Experience isn’t optional. Five years minimum in the business. Don’t be someone’s practice run. Ask straight up: “How many residential solar energy systems have you installed?” A confident residential solar panel installer will tell you the number and walk you through their equipment choices without hesitation. They should explain how they’ll help you tap into available incentives – and if they can’t clearly explain their warranties, that’s a red flag.
• Communication tells you everything. Here’s a test: Ask specific questions. “Why do I need this many panels?” “Break down the costs based on my actual usage.” “What brands are you proposing and why?” “What’s your per-watt price?” Good residential solar installers answer directly. Sketchy ones dance around numbers or pressure you to sign fast. Trust your gut – if they’re dodgy with answers now, imagine dealing with them when something breaks.
• One more thing on communication: Ask about their subcontractors. Who’s actually doing the work? How are they supervised? You deserve real answers.
• Your roof comes first. Any residential solar panel installer worth their salt will thoroughly inspect your roof before talking panels. They should tell you if repairs are needed upfront – not after they’ve torn into your shingles. Who pays if there’s damage during installation? Get that in writing. And yeah, talk about how it’ll look. Panel placement, where vents end up, all that matters when you’re staring at it every day.
• Do your homework on their reputation. Reviews matter, but dig deeper. Ask for references from recent customers. Even better – if you know anyone who’s gone solar, ask them who they used. Personal recommendations beat online reviews every time because people are brutally honest with friends.
• Always get multiple quotes. Always. Prices swing wildly between residential solar companies – sometimes by thousands. Here’s the key: calculate the cost per watt for each proposal. That’s your apples-to-apples comparison, even if residential solar energy system sizes differ slightly. Get three quotes minimum. You’ll quickly learn what’s fair pricing and what’s someone trying to fleece you.

Should You Choose a Local Solar Installer or a Big National Company?

Go local. It makes a difference.
Small local residential solar companies consistently get better reviews than big national operations. The reason is simple: solar energy for residential use is inherently a local business. Providing good customer service across multiple states from a central office? Nearly impossible.
Local residential solar energy companies have skin in the game. They know your area’s incentives and regulations inside and out. They care about their reputation because word spreads fast in local communities. And they’re not trying to hit some corporate sales quota – they want you to be happy so you’ll refer your neighbors.
National companies will pitch their “financial stability” and “consistent quality across locations.” Don’t buy it. When something goes wrong (and eventually, something always does), you want a local company that answers their phone and can send someone over – not a call center that routes you to whoever’s available.
Find a local residential solar panel installer that checks all your boxes and specializes in your area. You’ll be happier for it.

What Does a Residential Solar Installation in North Dakota Look Like?

So you’ve approved your residential solar power system design. What happens next?

• They’ll dig into your energy use. Pull out your utility bills from the last year – installers need to see your actual consumption in kWh. This isn’t busywork. These numbers determine everything: how much you’ll save, when you’ll break even, and what size system makes sense for your home.
• Expect a home energy audit. Good residential solar energy companies don’t skip this. They’re looking at your consumption patterns, when you use the most power, all that. It’s how they properly size your system instead of just slapping panels up there and hoping for the best.
• Your roof gets scrutinized. Is it in decent shape? Facing the right direction? They’ll inspect everything – structural integrity, orientation, shading issues. This determines where panels go and how they’ll run the wiring without making your house look like a science experiment.
• Design gets finalized. They’ll show you renderings of what your residential solar energy system will actually look like on your roof, plus production estimates and costs specific to your situation.
• Paperwork time. North Dakota requires permits for residential solar installation. The good news? Your installer handles this headache. If they’re telling you to pull permits yourself, find a different company.
• The waiting game. Here’s the reality: start to finish, you’re looking at about 3 months. Permits take time. Inspections take time. Getting utility approval takes time. The actual installation on your roof? That’s usually done in 3 days, maybe longer if your roof is complicated or the system is big. Most of those 3 months are just waiting on bureaucracy.
• Installation day arrives. The crew shows up, gets everything installed, and cleans up after themselves. Professional crews leave your property cleaner than they found it – you shouldn’t see a single zip tie or scrap of wire left behind. Just new panels on your roof.
• Inspection happens. The city sends someone out to verify everything meets code and safety regulations. This is required – no way around it. Once you pass, you’re almost there.
• Grid connection is the final step. Your residential solar power system gets wired to the utility company, you apply for interconnection, and they’ll inspect it, too. Some residential solar panel installers handle this entire process for you; others make you deal with the utility. Ask upfront who’s doing what. Once all the approvals are in? Flip the switch. You’re making your own power.

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