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3 Best Solar Companies in North Dakota (2024 Guide)

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Author Image Written by Tamara Jude Updated 12/09/2024

North Dakota relies heavily on fossil fuels, with crude oil accounting for three-fifths of the state’s energy production in 2023. Going solar would help reduce fossil fuel use and tap into a clean, unlimited energy source. Solar energy can also lower high heating costs during the state’s harsh winters. 

Our team spent 60 hours researching top recommended solar companies on the national and regional levels. We’ve found the best North Dakota solar companies and offered guidance on choosing the right installer for your home.


Compare Solar Energy Companies in North Dakota

Company Star Rating Warranties Payment Options Link
4.4
10–25 years Full purchase, loan GET QUOTE
4.2
25 years Full purchase, loan, lease GET QUOTE
4.4
25–30 years Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA GET QUOTE
4.5
10–25 years Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA GET QUOTE
No results were found.

North Dakota’s Top Solar Energy Companies


Our Top Picks for Solar Panel Installation in ND

Blue Raven Solar

4.4

Blue Raven Solar has one of the best reputations for reliability and trustworthiness. It has won awards for its team and CEO, and customer reviews report great customer service and prompt installations. The company also stands out for its in-house financing, which includes 18 months of free solar energy.

Out of all solar brands in the market, 6.5% of our survey respondents chose Blue Raven.

How We Scored Blue Raven Solar

Blue Raven received 4.4 out of 5 stars according to our rating system. The company scored the most points for its customer service reputation and warranty coverage. It also earned points for providing all standard solar panel services but lost some due to its limited financing options and lack of roof leak coverage.

  • Solar Equipment and Services (18 out of 25 points): Blue Raven offers solar panel and battery installation, active monitoring services, and energy audits. However, it doesn’t offer solar roofs, EV chargers, or additional roofing services. 
  • Warranty and Performance Guarantees (22 out of 25 points): The company offers top-of-the-line warranties, including a 25-year workmanship warranty. The company earned points fo providing a performance guarantee, but its guarantee is shorter than many other providers. However, it doesn’t provide any roof leak coverage. 
  • Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (13 out of 15 points): Blue Raven has high customer review ratings on its BBB profile and other popular review sites. The company uses in-house installers but doesn’t ensure they’re NABCEP-certified, which made it lose some points in this category.
  • Financing Options (12 out of 15 points): Blue Raven offers some of the best in-house financing of the companies this list, but it limits this financing to solar loans. You may want to consider a different provider, such as Sunrun, if you’re looking for a lease or PPA.
  • Industry Experience (7 out of 10 points): Blue Raven has less experience than other providers, with only 10 years in the industry.
  • State Availability (7 out of 10 points): The company limits its service area to 19 states.

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

A Blue Raven system has a 25-year product warranty, a 10-year workmanship warranty, and a two-year production guarantee.

Financing Options

✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan

State Availability

Available in: Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington

Reputation and Reviews

Blue Raven has won numerous awards from Comparably, a site known for its company culture and reputation reviews. It also ranked No. 20 on Glassdoor’s Best Place to Work in the USA in 2021.

Blue Raven is accredited by the BBB and currently holds an A+ rating. We noted that customers praised the knowledgeable staff and prompt installation but cited poor communication after completing projects. We analyzed several consumer reviews and found that some of these issues stem from the company’s financing department and third-party installers.

Read our review of Blue Raven Solar for more information.

Venture Solar

4.2

Venture Solar specializes in installing systems that are perfectly symmetrical and have no visible wiring or mounting devices. This design provides a simple, stylish look tailored to your roof’s appearance. Additionally, Venture offers comprehensive financing options similar to Sunrun, making solar energy more accessible to homeowners.

How We Scored Venture Solar

Venture earned 4.2 out of 5 stars. It gained most of its points due to its flexible financing options paired with an in-house financing department. It also provides plenty of solar services to match most customers’ wants and needs, though it lost points for lacking roofing services, energy audits, and EV charger installations. 

  • Solar Equipment and Services (16 out of 25 points): Venture offers solar panel and battery installation with active monitoring. The company lost points in this category because it doesn’t provide EV chargers, solar roof installation services, energy audits, and roof repairs.
  • Warranty and Performance Guarantees (25 out of 25 points): The company features excellent warranty perks with 25 years on labor, products, and performance. It also includes roof leak protection. 
  • Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (13 out of 15 points): Venture has a great reputation. It features high ratings on its BBB profile with an accreditation and no active issues like lawsuits.
  • Financing Options (14 out of 15 points): Venture provides financing options through an in-house financing team and works with every payment method except PPAs. 
  • Industry Experience (7 out of 10 points): The company holds only eight years of experience in the solar industry.
  • State Availability (7 out of 10 points): Venture has a limited service area of only three states.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides transparent information about its financing options online Includes remote monitoring Includes a 25-year roof and system warranty with all panel systems Cons Requires your phone number to submit an online quote Reviews mention mixed experiences with customer support Doesn’t work with power purchase agreement

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

Venture offers a 25-year bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers workmanship, products, and power output. 

Financing Options

✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease

State Availability

Available in: Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York.

Reputation and Reviews

Venture has an A+ rating and accreditation on its BBB profile. According to customer reviews, the company provides high-quality workmanship on its solar panel systems and good customer support. However, some customers have raised concerns about the pricing and quoting process. They found it confusing to determine the total cost of their system and experienced frequent back-and-forth over pricing.

Some customers also noted that Venture focuses on premium products, leading to higher pricing even when unnecessary. We found several Reddit threads discussing Venture where other solar customers and installers mentioned similar experiences.

Solar Energy World

4.4

Solar Energy World (SEW) is one of the most robust and well-regarded solar installation companies. It boasts several impressive features, such as its 30-year manufacturer’s warranty. Its service area is limited, and it doesn’t offer energy auditing services. We like that SEW discloses what solar panels it primarily works with and that the panels are from trusted, quality brands such as Qcells and Silfab.

Roughly 11% of our surveyed solar users purchased their system from Solar Energy World.

How We Scored Solar Energy World

SEW scored 4.4 out of 5 stars according to our methodology. The company received many points because of its warranty, which is longer than most other solar companies’ warranties. SEW offers a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty on all its solar panels and inverters, whereas many providers only offer 25-year warranties.

  • Solar Equipment and Services (18 out of 25 points): The company is an ideal option for many basic solar products and services, such as solar panels and battery installation. It lost points because it doesn’t install EV chargers or perform energy audits.
  • Warranty and Performance Guarantees (19 out of 25 points): SEW’s manufacturer and labor warranties are standout features, but the company doesn’t include any production guarantees with its work. 
  • Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (15 out of 15 points): The company’s reputation is one of the best, with high BBB and Google Reviews ratings. We also found no active alerts or lawsuits.
  • Financing Options (13.5 out of 15 points): SEW offers all possible solar payment options but doesn’t provide an in-house financing department. 
  • Industry Experience (8 out of 10 points): The company has been in business since 2009, so it received most of the points in this category.
  • State Availability (6 out of 10 points): SEW limits its service area to eight East Coast states.

Pros and Cons

Pros Features an extensive solar product catalog with trusted brands Includes free active monitoring Hires NABCEP-certified installers and designers Cons Reviews mention communication issues with staff Warranty coverage varies by solar panel brand Doesn’t offer a power production guarantee

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

SEW offers a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty on all purchased solar panels and inverters. However, coverage varies by brand, and the company doesn’t guarantee them with every panel option. 

Financing Options

✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
✔ PPA

State Availability

Available in: Washington, D.C, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia

Reputation and Reviews

The company landed on Solar Power World’s 2023 Top Solar Contractors List in the No. 10 spot.

The BBB accredits SEW, and the company holds an A+ rating. Former customers praise the company for its professionalism, assistance with applying for financial incentives, and smooth installation process. However, some reported discrepancies in finances and scheduling.

Sunrun

4.5

We like Sunrun for its four financing options, including its unique leasing options if you don’t want to own your system. This stands out to us because the other companies on this list don’t offer as many options.

Prepaid and leased systems also include a 25-year warranty with system service and maintenance, ongoing monitoring, and theft insurance. The company even offers financing plans for quality monocrystalline solar panels and products from trusted brands such as LG.

How We Scored Sunrun

Sunrun earned 4.4 out of 5 stars based on our methodology. The company gained many points for its positive reputation, comprehensive leasing options, and well-rounded warranty coverage. It lost some points for is limited service selection.

  • Solar Equipment and Services (15 out of 25 points): Sunrun provides solar panel and battery installation but uses third-party installers. Though this is becoming an industry standard, in-house installers typically yield better communication and quality. The company also doesn’t provide roofing services or energy audits but does offer quality active monitoring assistance. 
  • Warranty and Performance Guarantees (19 out of 25 points): Sunrun offers quality warranties, such as its 25-year manufacturer and labor warranty, but doesn’t include a performance guarantee. 
  • Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (13 out of 15 points): Sunrun has one of the higher customer BBB ratings we’ve encountered, and the company maintains an overall positive customer reputation online.
  • Financing Options (13.5 out of 15 points): The company doesn’t offer any in-house financing but provides more warranty coverage for customers interested in solar leasing than other providers, such as Palmetto.
  • Industry Experience (9 out of 10 points): Sunrun holds 17 years of experience in the solar industry, making it a veteran compared to a newer company such as Blue Raven Solar.
  • State Availability (8 out of 10 points): The company only serves 18 states.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides system monitoring that signals issues with your system Offers diverse financing options to suit various budgets Provides EV and solar battery solutions Cons Limited online information on solar incentive disqualification with leases Requires added costs for the same coverage plans as leased and prepaid customers Varies solar battery availability by state

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

Sunrun backs its systems with a 10-year comprehensive warranty which includes product, roof penetration, and workmanship coverage.

Financing Options

✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
PPA

State Availability

Available in: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Reputation and Reviews

The company earned DroneDeploy’s 2022 Guardian of Safety Award for incorporating drone technology in its site assessments. In 2021 and 2022, Sunrun was recognized by Comparably with 14 awards. Its accolades include Best CEOs for Diversity 2022, Best Company Culture 2021, and Best Company for Women two years in a row.

Sunrun currently holds an A+ rating from the BBB and is accredited. Former customers praised the comprehensive coverage for leased systems but complained about delayed installations, poor customer service, and poor communication with project managers. Additionally, some customers note being confused by Sunrun’s leasing and PPA options, though they also mention Sunrun is willing to discuss and clarify these plans.

Note: In July 2024, SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would “no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options.


What Are the Solar Incentives in North Dakota?

Although North Dakota has fewer rebates and incentives than other states, residents still have several opportunities to save on solar system costs. With the federal tax credit, homeowners save up to 30% on installation costs. This incentive applies to photovoltaic (PV) panels, solar shingles and tiles, and standalone energy storage. Any North Dakota resident can apply but must legally own their system to qualify. 

Although solar systems help raise your home value, they also increase property taxes. The North Dakota Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption excludes these additional taxes for five years after your installation date. You must contact your local tax assessor to apply for this exemption. 

Under North Dakota’s net-metering program, homeowners send excess energy back to the grid in exchange for electric bill credits. The state mandates this program for all investor-owned utilities (IOUs) but excludes electric cooperatives and municipal utilities. Utility companies aren’t mandated to pay credit at certain rates, so most choose an avoided-cost rate. This means companies pay below the retail rate for electricity. Contact your local utility company for details on its net-metering program, current payout rates, and application. 

We recommend checking the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for an up-to-date list of areawide incentives.


What Should You Look For in a Solar Company?

Consider the following benefits and services while shopping for a solar installation company. 

Solar Services

Providers use in-house or third-party contractors for their solar panel installations. In-house teams work directly for the solar company, leading to better installation quality and project communication. With third-party contractors, installation results could vary between locations. Using an outside team also adds another point of contact to the process, which could cause communication delays. We recommend finding companies that employ in-house installers. 

Some providers offer solar services that support your solar panel system’s performance. These services may include system monitoring or dedicated apps that track energy production. Here’s a list of possible solar and home services below:

  • Dedicated mobile app or web portal
  • Electrical services and installation 
  • Energy efficiency audits and upgrades
  • Home energy monitoring equipment and installation
  • Roofing services such as repair and replacement
  • Smart home device installation 
  • Solar system monitoring

Warranties

Warranties should align with a solar panel’s average 25-year life span. Many top-performing home panels have longer warranties than our most recommended cheap solar panels, which have lower up front costs. Long-term warranties keep your system protected and ensure excellent future performance. We’ll cover typical solar system warranties below:

  • Manufacturer’s (or product) warranty: This plan protects against defects caused by the manufacturer. 
  • Workmanship (or labor) warranty: This protection plan covers issues caused by poor panel installation. 
  • Power performance guarantee: This warranty outlines your panels’ expected lifetime performance, estimates any efficiency drops, and details replacement or repair policies if performance falls below these expectations. 

Warranty coverage and length can vary between providers and may not include all options listed above.

Payment Options

Most companies offer two or more solar financing options to fit various household budgets. Some payment options, such as up-front payments or solar loans, offer additional benefits such as legal system ownership and solar incentive qualification. Below is a breakdown of solar companies’ most common financing options: 

  • Up-front (or cash) payments: Customers pay the solar system’s full cost up-front. 
  • Solar loans: Customers make an initial down payment and continue with long-term payments (with added interest rates) for a set timeframe. 
  • Solar leases: Customers typically pay little to no money down, then make monthly payments to rent the system from the solar provider. 
  • Power purchase agreements (PPAs): Customers pay for their monthly solar energy usage instead of paying for the system. 

With solar leases and PPAs, the solar company retains system ownership, disqualifying you from additional incentive savings. These options only benefit customers uninterested in owning a solar system. We recommend choosing cash payment or solar loans for the best return on investment (ROI) and savings.

Customer Support

We recommend finding a solar company that offers multiple ways to contact customer support. Many companies provide online forms, email, or phone options. Additional options include text messaging and online chat. During secret shopping, we test several online chats and have mixed results. Some chats connected to live against while others used automated messages. Check online customer reviews for mentions of any major customer support issues, including unanswered calls, delayed responses, or rude representatives.


How To Get a Solar Quote in North Dakota

Request solar quotes from multiple companies to find the best equipment, pricing, and warranty coverage. The below guide outlines the typical solar quote process to help with your shopping experience. 

  1. Schedule each consultation: Contact each company’s sales department via online form, phone, or other designated contact method. Providers offer either in-person or virtual consultations. Set aside at least two hours for each consultation. 
  2. Find your latest energy bill: Solar companies use your utility bill to determine your energy needs and solar energy system size. Have your latest bill on hand for your consultation. 
  3. Review your roof designs: Each company rep will perform in-person or virtual roof assessments. They will check for available roof space, structural issues, and complex roof designs. They’ll note any design elements, such as chimneys and skylights, and select the best spot for your panels. Depending on your solar panel type, you may need ample room for your solar array. Since solar panels work best with direct sunlight, the rep will select a spot with minimal shading. 
  4. Build your solar system: The solar company will begin your system design based on these previous assessments. During this step, you can choose your solar panels, components, and additional upgrades, such as solar batteries and EV chargers. 
  5. Review the final quotes: Each quote should contain itemized system pricing details, installation costs, labor fees, and warranty coverage. You receive financing option details and your estimated solar payback period. Some companies also help you apply for incentives for additional solar savings. Compare each quote to find the best deal.

Our Conclusion

We chose GenPro Energy Solutions as the top North Dakota installer due to its wide variety of solar products. Homeowners can feel confident about Tesla’s pricing and take advantage of high-end solar roof and solar shingle options. 

We recommend getting free quotes from at least three solar providers and comparing offered services, pricing, and equipment.

Other North Dakota Home Service Resources


FAQ About Solar Companies in ND

How many sunny days does North Dakota get every year?

North Dakota receives 201 sunny days yearly, slightly lower than the national average of 205. 

Does North Dakota have net metering?

Yes, North Dakota offers net-metering through all investor-owned utilities (IOUs). Through this program, homeowners earn utility bill credits for sending excess energy back to the power grid. These credits help offset future electricity costs, improving your overall energy savings. 

Is solar energy worth it in North Dakota?

Yes, solar energy is worth the investment in North Dakota. Residents benefit from reduced energy costs during North Dakota’s frigid winters. The state also receives 201 sunny days annually, providing an excellent environment for solar panels. 

How many solar companies are in ND?

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), only eight solar companies exist in North Dakota. 


Our Rating Methodology

We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and typical customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:

  • Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
  • Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
  • Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
  • Financing options (15%)
  • Experience (10%)
  • Availability (10%)

Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.