Plug-In Solar in South Dakota — Status: unclear
Last Updated: March 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 12.7¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $155/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 2¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.9 |
| Retail Choice | none |
What You Can Do
No specific plug-in solar law. Traditional rooftop solar available. Black Hills Energy offers net metering.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
Utilities require interconnection agreements for grid-tied systems.
Available Rebates & Incentives
Net metering available through Black Hills Energy. No active state solar tax credit or rebate in South Dakota. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- DSIRE — South Dakota Solar Incentives — Full list of South Dakota state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 919,318 |
| Total Households | 360,000 |
| Owner-Occupied | 247,000 |
| Renter-Occupied | 113,000 |
| Single-Family Homes | 250,000 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 38,000 |
| Median Household Income | $65,000 |
| Median Home Value | $225,000 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.9 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 44° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1176 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | May–August |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Black Hills Energy | ~80,000 customers | Yes |
| Xcel Energy (Northern States Power) | ~90,000 customers | Yes |
| East River Electric Power Cooperative | ~90,000 members | Yes |