Best 3 Solar Companies in Fargo, ND

Fargo homeowners are lucky to live in abundant sunlight, both to bask in and use for energy. Many are hiring top solar companies to get panels on their roofs. With all the options to choose from in this concrete jungle, you might feel burnt out searching for an exceptional provider. Discover Fargo's best solar companies and learn important decision-making advice on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has carefully researched dozens of solar companies near Fargo, emphasizing the following criteria:

• Certifications and licenses: Each provider on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Fargo community for a decade or longer.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The leading solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Fargo solar providers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems operate through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the electrical grid for your safety and comfort.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the premium cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Fargo Homeowners?

North Dakota homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for rebates, tax credits, reimbursements and special financing. Here are just a few of the region's incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Fargo

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar energy system. Consider each of these factors in your business search.

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. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Fargo

Your solar modules' type will affect how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar company provides these optional components, so look for a provider that installs them if it's a priority for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Fargo. This table shows more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Fargo

There are a plethora of ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include cash payments, loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and leases. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate 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 will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in certain circumstances. Ask each provider you're evaluating about the payment plans it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the most suitable option for your budget.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

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