Best 3 Solar Companies in Bismarck, ND

Bismarck homeowners are privileged to live in ample sunlight, both to bask in and use for energy. Many are working with top solar companies to get panels on their roofs. With all the options to choose from in this urban jungle, you might feel burnt out searching for an exceptional installer. In this article, we'll highlight Bismarck's best solar installers and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the right one for your residence.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has thoroughly vetted dozens of solar providers near Bismarck, focusing on the following criteria:

• Panel quality and brand offerings: The best solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Bismarck solar providers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar contractors should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and improve its performance.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Bismarck community for a decade or longer.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy has multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the premium cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home functioning through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery storage.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Bismarck Homeowners?

Governments and utilities often incentivize homeowners for switching to solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Bismarck

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar array. Here are some important factors to consider while shopping for a solar specialist.

Licensing and Training

In North Dakota, a solar energy installer must be a licensed journeyman/plumber for thermal system work and a licensed journeyman/master electrician for photovoltaic work. There is an exemption for any job that would cost under $2,000. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most respected are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, backed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Bismarck

The type of solar panels you choose dictates how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

If you want to charge an electric car or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more productive and user-friendly. Not all solar providers offer these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.

You can expect to pay about $17,900 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Bismarck. Use the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Bismarck solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Bismarck

Solar contractors use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, solar leases and solar loans. We suggest making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. Look for companies that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Bismarck.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own rebates, incentives, and financing programs that could save you more money.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy