Question 1

About Black Hills Solar

Accepted Answer

Do you provide free estimates? You can get an instant estimate here on our web site. We evaluate projects remotely before doing a site visit. Please see our introductory guide to learn more.  How do I get a quote? Please visit our Get Started page for a list of resources. We encourage browsing our resources for quick answers before contacting us.   Where are you located?
We are based in Rapid City. Please see our contact page for details. (Please make an appointment.)  What is your service area?
We serve the Black Hills area and within 100 miles of Rapid City, South Dakota:   - South Dakota counties including: Pennington, Meade, Lawrence, Butte, Custer, Fall River, Oglala - Wyoming: Newcastle, Four Corners and Sundance.   What types of systems do you offer? We specialize in the design and installation of residential and commercial solar power and energy storage systems, as well as electric vehicle connectors, power distribution panels, demand controls, automation, and other electrical services.   Please note: We do not sell or service systems for recreational vehicles, mobile applications, hot water/air collectors, wind power systems, off-the-shelf/retail products, or products/systems not sold/designed by us. Please contact the respective manufacturers, retailers or installers in these situations.  How long is the quote/installation process? Projects can require several hours to several days for customer Q&A and system design, depending on complexity. On-site installation time varies from one to five days in most cases.  What is the lead time? Depending on the type of project and complexity, lead times vary from one to three months depending on the season. (Priority is offered to customers who pay a deposit to expedite a site visit and a custom system design-quote.)   What is your certification/experience?
Our team is led by a certified PV Installation Professional certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners and master and journeyman electricians. We have over 25-years combined experience in power systems and electrical design and installation. Check out the photo gallery to see our work!   Are you a contractor or retailer? We are contractors providing full design/sales/service. We may offer retail sales in some cases, though we are not a retailer and do not have a storefront.   Do you support DIY or 3rd-party? We only offer complete design/installation services at this time. We do not support DIY or 3rd party system design or installation and do not install systems/components purchased from a 3rd party. If another party designed/installed a system you already own, please contact them as they are more familiar with it and are responsible for support and warranty-related issues.   What is your project lead time? Lead times vary seasonally. In most cases, there is a minimum one- to two-month lead time for system design and quotation, planning, and scheduling. The best time to begin planning a project is in the first quarter to get scheduled in the same year. By late summer and fall we may already be scheduling projects for the following year.    Are you licensed?
Yes, we hold building (Rapid City: AEC2369) and electrical contractor licenses (SD: EC-3543, Rapid City: AEC3533, Wyoming: M-52663).  Are you insured?
Yes, we are commercially insured by Acuity.

Question 2

System Design

Accepted Answer

How much solar power do I need? Smaller systems of 3 to 6 kW are popular for reducing bills by up to half, and to provide the quickest return on investment. Systems up to 10 kW are suitable for larger homes, battery backup power systems and net-zero goals. Some homes may get upwards of 20 kW of solar, to be more completely energy independent. We recommend a system size based on space available for solar panels (roof space), the monthly electric usage, and to meet your specific interests. In most cases, it is also possible to start small and add more solar panels or a battery system later.  Will solar power run my air conditioning? Solar power pairs perfectly with air conditioning since A/C is used most when there is the most sun. In many cases, the cost of air conditioning can be effectively eliminated.  Will solar power run my electric heat? Yes, but... since heating is needed most when there is the least sun, especially over night, solar can typically offset only a small portion of electric heating costs. Electric heat requires a substantial amount of power and energy, sometimes up to half of all electric use for the year.  Can I charge my electric vehicle with solar? Yes, and if you charge your car at home during the daytime, you potential eliminate your EV charging costs from your power bill. We even offer a EV station that boosts your charge rate and can limit charging to solar power only. See the EV category in this FAQ to learn more.  Will solar pay for itself? Yes. However, because these savings relate directly to the costs they are offsetting, changing utility rates and other factors apply. Homeowners are able to improve their rate of savings by strategically using power mostly as the sun shines, and less at night. There are also variables that change over time, such as the cost of utility power. If the cost of energy from the utility goes up, savings are improved, or vice versa. Ultimately, since solar power systems have high longevity, they can have return on investment at least once over the system's expected lifespan of 25+ years.   Do batteries improve savings or payback? Battery systems help solar power systems improve bill reduction, but they are not installed simply to achieve an ROI. Instead, batteries are installed for the service they provide (especially back-up power, but also overall solar power enhancement and self-sufficiency). Backup power may also save money from potential losses such as refrigeration and other essential appliances or devices that protect the home. Batteries can also reduce demand charges (when they apply), which may be considered in a payback calculation. However, in general, we do not consider batteries as "paying for themselves" in the way we regard solar power systems.  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 compared to ground-based systems. Ground mounts have their advantages though, and are ideal for off-grid homes, winter optimization, or whenever a roof is unfavorable for any reason.  Roof-mounts: Pro: most cost-effective Pro: fast installation Pro: does not occupy or disturb the ground Con: predetermined orientation and pitch Con: panels must be removed for re-roofing  Ground-mounts: Pro: can optimize orientation/tilt Pro: accessibility for snow removal Pro: higher efficiency (due to air circulation, cooling) Con: construction and site work has additional cost Con: trench required for power line Con: may need to be fenced

Question 3

Purchasing

Accepted Answer

How do I get started / get a quote? The best way to get started is by using the resources here at our web site. Visit our Get Started page to learn more. Please be aware that due to a high volume of calls, we are unable to offer immediate site visits or in-person consultations. We begin by getting your information and qualifying the project, meaning we will let you know if the project meets our requirements and your expectations before proceeding. Custom quotes require a lot of attention to detail (and time) and are provided only after your approval of our initial estimates. Estimates may have a lead time of several weeks, which is why we provide all of the resources you need to do a self-assessment and get pricing in advance.  What is the price for a solar installation? View our price list to get an instant estimate. Once we learn more about your project we can work towards a custom estimate and a quote.   Are there tax incentives? You can claim a 26% federal tax credit (for year 2019-2022) on the full price for installation. Learn more here.  Do you lease or finance? We do not lease or finance, but for information with third-party financing click here. Please be aware that some financing providers charge very high interest rates, or large upfront fees, which may extend the payback period of solar significantly. If you are interested in solar solely as an investment, we discourage financing in most cases.

Question 4

Installation

Accepted Answer

How long does an installation take? An average project is completed with 2 to 4 days on site, depending on the location, system size, type of system and electrical work needed. Total project time may be from 1 to 4 weeks, including the site evaluation, system design, permitting, installation and commissioning phases.    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. This is a fairly straightforward process and we help with the paperwork. When the installation is completed, your electric utility provider can change your meter to be able to record your excess solar power that flows to the grid (optional).   Is there any risk to my roof? The distributed weight of a solar array is very low, so a roof will not sag or be compromised by the weight. We also guarantee that the roof penetrations and attachments we make will be completely waterproof. In fact, our attachments are more waterproof than any other part of the roof. We use the appropriate flashed and sealed roof attachments which are both UL-listed and warrantied for the life of the roof.  How heavy are solar panels? The distributed weight of a rooftop solar array is less than 3 pounds per square foot (equivalent to a few inches of snow). The mounting system (like the roof itself) is also engineered to handle the local snow load (25 to 50 pounds per square foot).  How is a ground-based mount installed? Most ground-based mounts use a steel structure set in concrete footings. A trench is necessary to bury the power line from the solar array to the building. The location of the array and trench must avoid water lines, septic tanks, drain fields, electrical or telecom lines.

Question 5

Technical Features

Accepted Answer

How big are the solar panels? We offer two sizes of solar panels. The residential size (most popular) is approximately 75x42 inches. The commercial size are up to 85x42 inches.  Do solar panels resist hail? Solar panels are faced 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 far worse conditions. Learn more.  How long do solar panels last? Solar panels will continue to produce power for decades. An average panel will degrade by about 0.5% or less per year. Most solar panel manufacturers guarantee at least 80% of the original performance for 25 years.  How long do inverters last? Most solar power inverters are warrantied for at least 10 years and 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, depending mostly on the temperature of the solar cells. Over the course of an average day, each solar panel will generate 0.5 to 3 kWh of energy, depending on the panel orientation, season and weather conditions.

Question 6

Net Metering / Net Billing

Accepted Answer

Can I sell power back to the grid (South Dakota)? Yes, however, in South Dakota the utilities determine the rate they will pay you for your excess solar power (not the state). The rate varies by the utility and the location on the grid, typically ranging 15% to 20% of the retail rate you pay. Therefore, it is preferred to use the solar energy produced as much as possible (offsetting your grid use) and limit the amount of excess power that goes to the grid. If a battery system is not installed, a smaller solar power system should be installed only to cover the basic daytime requirement. When a battery system is installed, a larger solar power system us suitable for storing excess daytime power for nighttime use.  When a solar installation is complete, your utility company may change your meter to a bi-directional version that will add a credit to each bill for the amount of electricity delivered to (back-fed) to the grid; this is called Net Billing. The electric cooperatives in our area provide the bi-directional meter free of charge. Black Hills Energy, however, charges a $50 fee for the optional bi-directional meter. The bi-directional meter may not be particularly useful when a battery system is installed; it is also possible in some system settings to stop back-feeding the grid altogether (if desirable).  If you live in Wyoming (or most other states), the state has implemented Net Metering, which either compensates the QF at the same rate as retail, or a higher rate than avoided cost (see below).  Net Metering policies are under constant opposition from industry groups that serve utility power providers, and may change at any time.  Why is the avoided cost rate so low? Net metering and avoided cost rules are an ongoing point of contention between utility providers and small independent power producers, which goes far beyond the scope of this FAQ.  In short, electric utility providers are required to pay a minimum "avoided cost" rate to independent producers (a.k.a. "qualified facilities" or "QFs"), for electricity supplied to the grid, according to PURPA regulations. In South Dakota, the utility (not the state) determines the rate to pay independent producers. Because the cost of energy is relatively low (that is, the cost of fuel to run a power plant), the avoided cost offered to customers reflects that basic cost of energy. The retail price of electricity, however, reflects the full cost of providing electric power, which is largely in fixed costs such as grid maintenance and customer service.

Question 7

Battery Systems

Accepted Answer

Do I need a battery? Batteries are required for back-up power and to store solar power for use at night. Without a battery, solar power will reduce grid-power use during the daytime, but not provide backup power during a grid-power outage.  Can I add a battery? A battery system can be added to a solar power system at a later date. We often install solar power systems first, ready to add a battery later.  What can I backup? We can scale a battery's capacity to backup a small set of essential circuits or the whole property. Which option is best can depend on personal preference and how the home is wired.  How long does the battery last? Depending on use-management and available solar power, the battery capacity will be sized to power essentials overnight (at a minimum). Larger systems can operate in off-grid mode indefinitely.  What is the battery lifespan? The leading lithium-type batteries designed for residential use come with a 10-year warranty that guarantees a minimum 70% of the original capacity by the end of the warranty term.

Question 8

EV Charging

Accepted Answer

How much energy does an EV use?
An average Electric Vehicle uses about 30 kWh per 100 miles (0.3 kWh per mile). Currently the most efficient EVs use around 0.25 kWh per mile.   How many solar panels are needed for car charging?
One solar panel generates 1 to 2 kWh per day on average (varies by location). That's about 3 to 4 kWh per kilowatt (kW) of solar capacity per day. Therefore, a 6 kW PV system can charge up to 30 kWh (100 miles) on an average summer day. Winter-time charging rates will be about one-third to one-half due to shorter days and cloudier conditions.   It is also possible to use grid-power to charge the vehicle as needed from the same charging connector.   If you know your average miles driven per day, you can determine how much solar capacity will offset the vehicle use. Though since excess solar power will be used by the home, oversizing is generally not a problem.   For example, to drive 30 miles per day requires about 9 kWh of energy. Therefore about 3 to 4 kW of solar power capacity will offset that additional grid-power usage from your home for most of the year.   What solar power system do I need to charge my EV? We recommend using a smart solar EV charger, which can direct solar power into the vehicle, reduce/eliminate grid use for the vehicle, and schedule charging times. Alternatively, if the EV charging connector is not a component of the solar power system (i.e. off-the-shelf options), solar power will go to all loads including the home, and more grid power may be used for vehicle charging. Either way, solar power will reduce total grid power use overall.   Can I charge my EV at night? When charging is done mostly at night, solar will only power the home during the day while at night the vehicle will charge with grid power. You may get the same net benefit of bill reduction (with solar), depending on specific utility rates and what your home uses. Home batteries may also be used for vehicle charging, though the battery capacity will be large to do so.   Will EV charging increase demand charges? Vehicle charging can use a lot of power at one time (except as limited by the charger). If your utility bill includes a demand charge (peak demand periods), these charges may increase significantly while fast-charging a vehicle during peak times. Options to curtail these charges include using a smart charger, demand controller, smart breaker panel, and/or home batteries.

Question 9

Electrical Services

Accepted Answer

Do you do electrical service upgrades? Yes. We upgrade meter-main service boxes and add outdoor service disconnects. Sometimes these upgrades are required in order for us to install backup power systems.   Do you do electrical service without solar? Yes, and if you're considering getting solar in the future, we'll provide a free solar consultation along with our service work.   What is a "smart electric panel"? We can now install electric panels and circuit controllers that will connect to the internet, provide monitoring of individual circuits, and control the circuits using an app. This is especially useful for reducing demand charges, regulating electric vehicle charging, and conserving battery charge during a backup power situation.   Do you have to do electrical upgrades for solar/battery? In most cases we can install up to 10 kW of solar power on a home's 200A service (typical) without modifying the existing electrical system. When larger solar power or battery power systems are installed, some kinds of upgrades or modifications are sometimes necessary.  Why do a breaker panel upgrade? When we review your electrical panel, we check the electrical system for problems or code violations that we can fix. We can also install new circuit breakers designed for arc- and ground-fault protection (ACFI/GFCI). These newer breaker types protect the entire circuit rather than just the outlet, greatly reducing the chances of fire or electrocution; this is especially beneficial for older homes with old circuitry.   What does an ordinary circuit breaker do? Standard circuit breakers protect the wire from overheating in case of excessive current (power draw).   What does a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) breaker/outlet do? GFCI breakers protect people from being shocked when wet.   What does an arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breaker do? AFCI breakers disconnect power from a damaged or faulty wire.

Question 10

Energy Efficiency

Accepted Answer

How much electricity do I use? Your utility power company will provide guidance on to read your bill and understand your consumption. In most cases, a monthly graph of your energy use will suffice, but if your utility has an online system to allow you to log in and view your usage this is a great way to learn in more detail.   If you need an in-depth understanding of your home's individual electrical loads, have us install a smart home energy monitor that can identify your individual appliances and help you find issues.  Is my usage above/below average? Seasonal use varies based on heating/cooling needs, but you can take your 12-month total kWh use to compare to the average. The average South Dakota home uses about 33 kWh per day / 1000 kWh per month / 12,000 kWh per year. It is normal to have higher bills in the winter, primarily due to heating (especially electric but also furnace fans), but if air conditioning in the summer this is also a major energy consumer. Heating and cooling represent the largest portion of energy consumption (by far) for most buildings.  How do I reduce my power bills? Here are a few energy-saving tips:  Reduce or eliminate air leaks, especially around door seals and windows. If achieving a very air tight home, remember that an air quality control system like an air exchanger will be needed. Improve insulation, especially in attics and around hot water lines. When replacing siding, this is a good opportunity to address issues and add insulation from the exterior. Know your major appliances and how much energy they consume. Heating, cooling, clothes dryers, old refrigerators/freezer, and pumping systems represent a significant majority of total energy consumption. Replace inefficient appliances such as old refrigerators and water heaters, replace incandescent lamps with LEDs, and replace furnace filters regularly. 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.

Question 11

New Construction

Accepted Answer

Learn more about new construction tips on our New Construction post.  Should I design my roof for solar? Roof-mounted solar does not require structural reinforcement above or beyond standard practices, but consider the following recommendations, such as the roof design, orientation, slope, and roofing material. Feel free to send us dimensional drawings of your construction plan and we will let you know what fits.  Solar arrays in our region perform best with a 5:12 to 9:12 (or higher) pitch to optimize year-round performance and ease snow-shedding. Steeper is generally better to balance annual performance, or as much as practical, depending on the overall design of the home (steeper roofs may have higher material and installation cost as well). Lower-slope roofs work very well in the summer time, less in winter.  The intended roof space must face south (anywhere between southeast and southwest is very good) and must not be shaded. Shading on the roof will significantly reduce solar performance. Pipes, chimneys and vents should be located on the north side or otherwise out of the area for the solar array.   Simple roofs like  gable roofs and skillion (a.k.a. "shed" or "lean-to") roofs and are the most favorable, having a square surface without many hips or valleys. Complex hip-and-valley roofs are more challenging for solar panel placement, limiting the usable space.   We are experienced with mounting solar on all roofing materials, but standing-seam metal or rubber shingles are the most favorable for both long-term durability and ease of installation. When using asphalt shingles, higher quality hail-resistant types are strongly preferred, to avoid regular re-roofing (i.e. hail damage insurance claims), which may require solar panel removal and replacement.   Is ground-based solar better? A ground mount system is usually more favorable to achieve maximum energy independence. Ground-based systems have benefits in terms of performance, but may not be feasible in some situations such as urban/small lots/HOAs, forested areas, or steep terrain. It is possible to have a solar array several hundred feet from the house, but consider that trenching can be challenging in some situations and costs go up for longer distances.   What electrical work is needed? We can prepare for a solar installation during the rough-in phase of construction, saving money on a retrofit down the road. The preparations we can do related to the utility service entrance, main breaker panel, backup generator (if any), conduits for solar circuits, and physical locations for the solar/battery power equipment. From the main breaker panel, the branch circuits throughout the home can be installed by any licensed electrician.  Where to install the solar/battery power equipment? The garage is the best location, or a utility/mechanical room. It is ideal to have all equipment (including the utility meter and main breaker panel) in the same location like a garage. Some equipment can be (or needs to be) on an exterior wall, but batteries must be in a conditioned space (above 32 degrees). Even if not installing batteries now, plan for the future.  Should I plan to be off-grid? Sometimes the cost of an off-grid power system is less than the cost of the power line installation (especially in rural/remote areas), but it's not for everyone. Learn more here: Off-Grid.   Should I use propane/gas? Heating energy is very high, so it can make sense to use natural gas or propane for backup space heating when the grid is out. For most homes, it is not reasonable to rely entirely on solar power for heating all winter long. If seeking a high level of resiliency for your home, the additional energy source of gas/propane, which may include a backup generator, may be important. It is less important to use gas for cooking or water heating, as electric power can handle these loads. Air quality and ventilation systems are particularly important when using gas for indoor appliances, so keep this in mind too.  Other considerations for building? Most homes use the most electricity during the cold months where there is the least sunshine. Heating costs alone can be around half of all energy consumption in an average home. So in principle, reducing heating costs by improving building efficiency is the single most important thing you can do.  Build for high efficiency. This is good practice for all construction, though not often applied to a high standard. Though adding costs to construction, the long-term value of high insulation provides a return in comfort, durability, energy savings, etc. The solar power system can also be smaller. Choose a quality builder. Some builders may not be particularly concerned about your home's energy efficiency. Balancing costs and performance is a standard practice, but performance should tip the scales away from cost efficiency if you wish to build an energy independent home. Prefer a builder who is educated in energy conservation and modern building methods, and agrees to exceed the legal "voluntary standard" minimums. The building envelope is one of the more crucial details to be observed during construction. When all windows, doors, ductwork and wall penetrations are complete, get a blower-door test to measure air-tightness. A home that does not pass a blower-door test is not only inefficient ("leaky") but may also indicate poor construction quality or lead to other problems over time. It is very difficult to fix these issues after the rough-in stage. Insulate thoroughly and reduce thermal bridging. Consider exterior installation, structural insulated panels, insulated concrete forms, etc. Insulate the slab and footings. Install a mechanical air exchanger to maintain air quality and regulate humidity. This is a necessary addition to an air-tight building, which will not only improve air quality but also improve heath and comfort above that of a standard home. Install the electrical system to be ready for solar/battery/EV integration, to avoid additional retrofit costs. Install the main electrical panel in the garage or a mechanical room. Install an electric tank water heater (do not install an electric on-demand water heater). Gas/propane water heaters are acceptable if properly vented. Install heat-pump(s) for heating and cooling. Heat-pump clothes dryers and water heaters are good as well, but not essential. Install new, high efficiency kitchen appliances. Induction cooktops are favorable. Install geothermal only if appropriate (they are not effective in all locations and can sometimes even be exceedingly expensive and inefficient if not programmed or used correctly). Learn more at greenbuildingadvisor.com and ecohome.net

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