FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Solar Power
Purchasing
What is the price for a solar installation?
Most solar projects fit one of the following categories and price ranges:
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Cabin (with batteries): $4,000 - $20,000
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Residential (grid-tie only): $8,000 - $30,000
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Residential (with batteries): $20,000 - $60,000
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Commercial: $15,000 - $100,000+
Each project has a unique set of variables, so we offer custom quotes after a site evaluation. On average, solar installations range from $1000 per panel (or $2.85 per watt) for smaller systems, and down to $650 per panel (or $2.00 per watt) for larger systems. For our current pricing information, click here. The total installed costs are also eligible for a 26% federal tax credit (years 2020-2022).
How do I get a quote?
Please visit our pricing page to get started and provide your project information. We'll respond with some initial information and answer your questions before visiting the site for a final quotation.
Are there tax incentives?
You can claim a 26% federal tax credit (for year 2020-2022) on the full price for installation. Learn more here.
At DSIREUSA.org you can search a database of incentives by state. Learn more here: South Dakota, Wyoming
Do you lease or finance?
We do not, but for information with third-party financing, click here to learn more.
System Design
What types of systems do you offer?
We specialize in the design and installation of residential and commercial solar power systems.
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Solar photovoltaic panels and inverters
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Roof- and Ground-mounted solar arrays
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Battery systems for off-grid and backup power
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Electric Vehicle charging connectors
Please note, we do not sell or service systems for recreational vehicles, hot water collectors, or wind power systems.
How much solar power do I need?
Smaller systems of 3 - 6 kW are popular for reducing bills by up to half. Larger systems up to 10 kW are more economical for larger homes and battery backup power systems. We look at your monthly electricity consumption and project goals to offer a recommendation.
Can I go off-grid?
The solar capacity of an off-grid system must satisfy year-round energy needs, especially for winter. A backup generator is required to ensure uninterrupted power, so most off-grid homes incorporate a propane tank, which also serves as the primary heat source.
Off-grid homes should be optimized for efficiency, especially in the building envelope and insulation. New high-efficiency appliances and LED lighting are highly favorable, and major appliances should be carefully selected.
What is a Backup Power system?
Backup power systems combine batteries with solar and grid power to offer combined benefits with more flexible sizing compared to off-grid systems. In hybrid systems, the capacity of solar and battery can meet temporary back-up power needs for essential loads like lighting and refrigeration, or be sized up to meet whole-house requirements.
Is it better to install solar panels on the roof or on the ground?
Roof and ground-based mounts each have their advantages. Roof mounts are popular as they install quickly and have a lower cost than a ground-based systems. Ground mounts are best for off-grid homes, winter optimization, or if a roof is unfavorable for any reason.
Roof-mounts:
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Pro: most cost-effective
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Pro: fast installation
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Pro: does not occupy the ground
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Con: predetermined orientation and pitch
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Con: must be removed for re-roofing
Ground-mounts:
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Pro: can optimize orientation/tilt
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Pro: accessibility for snow removal
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Pro: higher efficiency (due to air circulation, cooling)
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Con: construction and site work has additional cost
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Con: trench required for power line
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Con: may need to be fenced
Installation
Will solar panels affect my roof?
We install UL-Listed waterproof flashings and sealants for all roofing types, which are guaranteed leak-free for their lifetime. For most roofing types, 4-1/2 inch lag screws are driven into the roof rafters for a strong attachment. With metal standing-seam roofs, our hardware can clamp directly to the metal seam without making penetrations.
The mounting system is also engineered to meet the local snow loads (25 to 50 pounds per square foot) and 100 mph or higher wind speeds.
The distributed weight of a rooftop solar array is less than 3 pounds per square foot.
What is required for a ground-based mount?
Most ground-based mounts are constructed with steel pipe in concrete footings, including multi-pole structures, mono-pole mounts, or other anchored platforms. Groubd-based installations also require a trench to bury the power line from the solar array to the building. The location of the array must not interfere with water, septic, drain fields, electrical or telecom lines.
How long does an installation take?
An average project is completed with 1 to 4 days of work, depending on the location, system size, type of system and electrical connection requirements or upgrades needed. Total project time may be from 1 to 4 weeks, including the site evaluation, system design, permitting, installation and commissioning phases. Projects scheduled late in the summer or autumn may have longer lead times.
What is required by the utility?
The utility requires you to sign an interconnection application and agreement. We may complete the application details on your behalf, but the homeowner must sign and return the agreement to the utility. The utility may also require proof of homeowners insurance.
When the installation is completed, your electric utility provider will change your meter to be able to record your excess solar power that flows to the grid.
Technical Features
Do solar panels resist hail?
Solar panels are made with highly-durable tempered glass, which is rated to withstand a minimum of 1-inch hailstones at 50 mph direct strikes. However, we have seen our installations hold up to much worse conditions. In the event of a break, replacement costs may be covered by homeowners insurance.
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels will continue to produce power for as long as they are practically useful. For each year an average panel will lose about 0.5%. Most solar panel manufacturers guarantee at least 80% of the original performance at 25 years.
How long do inverters last?
Most inverters are warrantied for 10 years, and some up to 25 years.
How much power does a solar panel actually produce?
In full sun a solar panel produces 70% to 90% of its rated power. The loss of power is due to the heat. In winter time efficiency is higher, but also solar radiance is lower. Over the course of an average day, each solar panel will generate about 1.5 kWh of energy. (See Energy vs Power for more information.)
Investment
How much is the federal investment tax credit?
Solatube Lighting
Solatube FAQ
How much does a Solatube installation cost?
Our Solatube installations typically fall within the following range, depending on the model, length of extension tubing, lens options, and number of units. For a current price list, click here.
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Solatube w/ installation: $650 - $950
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Fixtures (decorative lens options): $20 - $99
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When purchasing multiple units, discounts apply.
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Solatube Model 160: 10-inch diameter, ideal for bathrooms, hallways, and other smaller areas. -
Solatube Model 290: 14-inch diameter, ideal for kitchens, stairwells, living rooms and other larger areas.
In what roof types can you install
Asphalt shingle roofs are most common. Contact us regarding other roof types.
Are Solatube's electric?
Solatubes use only natural sunlight and have no electrical components. However, Solatubes do include an accessory solar-powered night light, powered by two AA batteries, which automatically turns on to provide a moon-like glow at night time.
Do Solatube's require maintenance?
Solatubes are maintenance-free. The steel flashing used for the roof pass-thru has a wide base that installs under several rows of shingles, and are therefore not dependent on sealants to remain 100% waterproof.
What warranty is provided?
We provide a 5-year installers warranty and guarantee of 100% waterproof installations. If you have any problems with your Solatube, we will fix it for free.
Company Info
About Us
What is your service area?
We serve all parts of the Black Hills region and within 100 miles of Rapid City, South Dakota, including north-eastern Wyoming. Counties including: Pennington, Meade, Lawrence, Butte, Custer, Fall River, Oglala, Weston, Crook.
We are based in Rapid City. Please see our
contact page for more information and to schedule an appointment.
Black Hills Solar owner, solar designer and lead installer is a certified
PV Installation Professional certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, experienced in the design and installation of all system types and over one thousand solar panels installed since 2016. Our electrical team has over 25-years combined experience in electrical works.
Yes, building contractor and electrical contractor licenses are held by Black Hills Solar and our electricians.
Are you insured?
Yes, we are commercially insured by Acuity.
Energy Tips
Energy Saving Tips
How much electricity do I use?
Learn how to read your power bills, or request a monthly summary of usage from your utility power company. The power company may also have an online system to allow you to log in and monitor your usage and billing history. For a more in-depth look, we recommend a smart home energy device that can monitor your individual appliances, helping you identify problem areas and ways to save.
How does your home compare to the average?
- 30 kWh per day / 980 kWh per month / 11,970 kWh per year.
How do I reduce my power bills?
As part of our work we can help you identify problem areas and improve your energy efficiency to help you save more.
Our Top Energy-Saving Tips:
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Reduce or eliminate air leaks, especially around door seals and windows.
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Improve insulation, especially in attics and around hot water lines.
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Know your appliances and how much energy they consume. Major appliances (i.e. heating, cooling, and pumping/heating systems) represent a significant majority of total energy consumption.
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Replace inefficient appliances such as old refrigerators and water heaters, replace indancescent lamps with LEDs, and replace furnace filters periodically.
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Understand your power bill and review your monthly usage. Compare with previous years. Contact your utility provider for support, and ask about incentives and rebates for energy efficiency improvements.
- Use a home energy monitor to learn about and observe your energy use, and quickly identify specific problem appliances.