Introductory Guide

Local Expertise You Can Trust

Black Hills Solar is a certified, licensed, insured, and locally owned solar and electrical contractor serving the Black Hills from Rapid City, South Dakota. We're not a national chain — we're your neighbors, and we stand behind every system we install.

Founded and operated by Sonny Rivers, BH Solar brings over 15 years of hands‑on experience in solar power, battery systems, generators, and electrical work. We've successfully installed power systems for hundreds of clients in our region, helping them gain energy independence, resilience, and lower utility bills.

What We Do

We design and install complete energy solutions for homes and businesses, including:

• Solar panel systems (on‑grid and off‑grid)

• Battery backup and energy storage

• Backup generators and hybrid systems

• Electrical upgrades and efficiency improvements

• Complete project management: permitting, utility interconnection, and system registration

• Technical service for our customers

Whether you're upgrading an existing building or planning new construction, we handle everything from the first site visit to commissioning the system.

Owner Statement

"My goal is simple: help people in the Black Hills become more self‑sufficient, energy‑independent, and resilient.

If you're new to solar or backup power, I'll walk you through the basics and design a system that fits your property, goals, and budget. We'll look at your energy use, site conditions, and utility rules to recommend the right mix of solar, batteries, and/or generators.

Start by filling out our project form — I'll review your details, send back a free estimate, and provide tailored recommendations. From there, we'll work together to build a system that gives you cleaner power, backup security, and long‑term savings."

— Sonny Rivers, Owner, Black Hills Solar

Working With BH Solar

The best way to get started is to fill out our project form or email us directly. Phone calls may go to voicemail. Please allow 2–3 business days for a reply.

Here's our process, step by step.

Step 1: Qualify Your Project (Free)

Begin by determining if solar, battery, or generator options make sense for your property.

Feasibility depends on:

• Your location, roof/land layout, and shading

• Your energy goals (lower bills, backup power, off‑grid)

• Your existing electrical system and service type

• Your utility provider and interconnection rules

• Your budget and timeline

Not all projects qualify, so we recommend doing a self‑assessment first. Our initial recommendation for residential projects is free via email or phone.

• If you require an on‑site assessment or consultation, a service fee may apply, even if you decide not to move forward.

• For more complex projects (commercial, off‑grid, new construction), a consultation and design fee will apply.

Step 2: Get Pricing & a Custom Quote

You may start by reviewing our pricing schedule. By submitting the project form with your details and project requirements, we'll first email a free initial estimate. If the estimate is favorable to you, we'll schedule a site visit to:

• Confirm details of your existing electrical configuration

• Take photos and measurements for site design

• Discuss your priorities and preferences

Using our online resources helps us move quickly and keep costs competitive, so we encourage you to review our guides and FAQs before your site visit.

After the visit, we'll prepare a custom system design and quote.

• If you accept the quote, a contract will be emailed for your signature.

Step 3: Schedule Your Installation

Installations are scheduled in the order in which signed contracts are received. Our installation calendar typically books out seasonally, so some lead time is expected.

• Typical installation lead times are four to eight weeks.

• New clients are accepted for the year from January through October.

• Installations usually run from May through November, weather permitting.

Your Full Project Timeline

Qualify & Estimate (Free)

• You fill out the project form, preferably including:

  • Your monthly electric usage (from a recent bill)

  • Photos of your roof (from the ground), utility meter location, and electrical panel location. Photos should be "pulled back" to show the surrounding area or room.

  • Providing these details is optional, but it will help provide a quick and accurate estimate.

• We review your details, determine feasibility, and provide recommendations with an estimate.

• We compare the suggested system's performance to your current energy use (if provided).

If you'd like to move forward, we'll schedule a site visit and prepare a custom quote.

Custom Design & Quote

• We visit your site to confirm installation details and document your electrical system.

• We design a custom system, including site plans and wiring diagrams.

• You receive a detailed quote and purchase agreement for review.

Once you approve the quote:

• You sign the agreement and pay a deposit (typically 50%).

• We finalize plans, order equipment, and handle all paperwork (permits, utility interconnection, etc.).

• We schedule your installation date.

If you decide not to move forward, you'll only be responsible for any applicable consultation fee.

Installation & Activation

• We submit:

• Utility notifications and interconnection forms

• Underground locates and electrical/building permits (as needed)

• You provide:

• A signed interconnection agreement

• Proof of homeowners' insurance (if required by your utility)

• We allocate materials and schedule your installation.

Installation Day

• We complete the work and notify your utility.

• Your final payment is due upon completion.

• We verify that your system is working correctly, register it, and give you access to online monitoring.

After activation, we're here to answer questions and help if anything comes up.

Ready to Get Started?

Complete our project form with your property details and energy use, and we'll send back a free estimate and recommendations. From there, we'll guide you through every step of integrating a more self‑sufficient, resilient energy system for your home or business.