Best 2 Solar Companies in Grand Forks, ND

Grand Forks residents are intentional about conserving resources and living sustainably. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the best solar professionals for their homes. If you're contemplating going solar, you might be worried about high prices or long payback periods. By collaborating with a skilled installer, you'll have both the economic and technical support you need for success. In this guide, we'll showcase Grand Forks' best solar providers and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your household.

Ranking Methodology

Our team used the following criteria to determine the best Grand Forks solar companies.

• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Grand Forks solar providers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar installers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Certifications and licenses: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Grand Forks community for more than a decade.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Lowered energy bills: You can skip 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 powered through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery storage system.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Grand Forks Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Grand Forks

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar energy system. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.

Licensing and Training

In North Dakota, a solar energy installer must be a licensed journeyman/master electrician for photovoltaic work and a licensed journeyman/plumber for thermal system work. A job that costs under $2,000 is exempt from licensing requirements. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Grand Forks

Your photovoltaic panels' type will impact how much electricity you can generate. 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 have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

Additional components, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors offer these additional features, so look for a company that sells them if it's essential for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Grand Forks. This table displays more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Grand Forks

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 power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, leases, and loans. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving 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 fluctuating 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 particular circumstances. We suggest working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each consultant about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your spending limits.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, incentives, and rebates 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