Saving big in the Peace State through solar energy

The state of solar in North Dakota

North Dakota has a favorable position for solar energy, though the state currently does not produce as much solar power as many others. The state's annual sunny day average is 201 days, which is close to the national average of 205 days.^*Best Places. North Dakota. (Accessed 7/23/21). https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/state/north_dakota Yet North Dakota has more hours of sunshine than other states bordering Canada.

How much solar energy does North Dakota produce?

Sadly, North Dakota is in 51st place nationwide for solar energy generation, with 0.0% of the state's electricity coming from solar power.^*SEIA.org, "North Dakota Solar" (accessed 7/21/2021) https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/north-dakota-solar Being at the bottom of the pack leaves ample opportunity, and a competitive incentive, for North Dakota residents and business owners to expand their solar energy generation. Given the high amount of sun the region receives each year, the ability to generate solar energy is bountiful.

What are the advantages of going solar in North Dakota?

Because North Dakota receives plenty of sunshine and has long summer days, it is in a prime geographical position to generate clean energy using solar power. Unlike coal- or oil-based electricity, solar energy is environmentally friendly. Solar energy doesn't produce harmful emissions that contribute to air pollution, nor does it produce toxic by-products. It's also a free natural resource that requires no mining or extraction.

North Dakotans who get home solar panels can save significantly on utility costs by relying less on fossil fuels. The state's electricity rate in 2020 was $0.10 kW, and officials expect the rates to rise with the inclusion of additional regulations for high-carbon energy.^*Solar-Nation.org, "Solar Power in North Dakota: All You Need to Know" (accessed 7/21/2021) https://www.solar-nation.org/north-dakota By going solar, homeowners can save money each month on utility costs, resulting in an average net savings of $12,000 over 25 years.

How much does solar cost in North Dakota?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same state, due to a range of factors. These include the:

• Quality of solar panels

• Solar system installation provider

• Angle of the roof

• Household's energy needs

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.

In North Dakota, we found that the average investment to own a 5 kW solar system is $12,700, or in other words, $2.54 per watt, and that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

The Federal Investment Tax Credit or ITC is a common way for new solar system owners to save on equipment and installation expenses. By claiming ITC on federal income taxes, North Dakota residents can receive a 30% credit on solar systems.^*Tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.

North Dakota also mandates net metering (also called net excess generation) to all customers of investor-owned electric utilities on all systems generating up to 100 kW or less.^*SolarReviews.com, "Summary of North Dakota solar incentives 2021" (accessed 7/21/2021) https://www.solarreviews.com/solar-incentives/north-dakota If a customer has net excess generation (NEG) at the end of a monthly billing period, the utility must purchase the NEG at a particular rate.

Net metering allows solar system owners to earn money through their local utility company by producing extra electricity to contribute to the power grid. Net metering is currently not available to customers of municipal utilities or electric cooperatives.^*DSIRE. Net Metering (North Dakota). (Accessed 7/23/21). https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/detail/285/net-metering

Another way to reduce the costs of going solar in North Dakota is through the state's energy-related five-year property tax exemption. Local tax assessors will exclude the value of clean energy systems from the premises' property tax obligations for commercial and residential properties with solar panels.^*Dasolar.com, " North Dakota - Energy Tax Credit, Solar Rebates and Incentives" (accessed 7/21/2021) https://www.dasolar.com/energytaxcredit-rebates-grants/north-dakota

What's the best way to go solar in North Dakota?

When you feel it's time to go solar in North Dakota, be sure to seek a reputable, experienced solar provider. Handling the solar system purchase and installation without professional guidance can lead to unnecessary stress and higher expenses. A solar contractor with years of experience pairing property owners with their ideal solar solutions can guide you through your clean energy design and installation.

A solar installer can also help you save money by educating you about federal and statewide incentives to reduce your overall solar system costs without sacrificing energy production. With their help, you’ll have premium solar panels that complement the property's aesthetic style, fit into your budget, and produce all the energy your property needs.

Get started now by requesting your free consultation with us at SunPower below. We'll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.