How many hours of sunlight do you need for solar panels?

• <div><p>Solar panels should get at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily. It’s even better if sunlight reaches panels between the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. This is enough to power a home, depending on your solar system’s size and energy needs. Remember that panels will generate some power under cloudy skies or in the shade, and many systems compensate for lower sun exposure by drawing energy from the grid or battery storage.</p></div>

What questions should I ask a solar panel company before hiring?

• <div><p>There are a few qualifying questions you should ask a <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/install-solar-panels/">local solar panel company</a> before hiring them:</p><ul><li><p>Will you handle permits for the installation?</p></li><li><p>Does your total price include the equipment and labor?</p></li><li><p>How long do you expect the installation process to take?</p></li><li><p>What kind of workmanship warranty do you include with your installations?</p></li><li><p>Who should I contact if I have a problem with my system after installation?</p></li><li><p>Do you install the panels or outsource the work to third parties?</p></li><li><p>Will you file for solar incentives for me?</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Get matched with top solar panel pros in Black Hawk, SD

Q: Can I install solar panels by myself?

• <div><p>While you can install solar panels by yourself, it can be a complicated process full of lots of manual labor, risky roof work, and knowledge of electrical wiring. Most solar panel installation projects should be reserved for a trained professional&mdash;especially if you plan on connecting your panels to the electrical grid rather than for off-grid use, which doesn&rsquo;t require utility services.</p></div>

Q: What other projects should I do at the same time as installing a new subpanel?

• <div><ul><li><p>Installing a new electrical meter box</p></li><li><p>Replacing your meter base</p></li><li><p>Replacing your service entrance cable </p></li></ul><p>The cost to install or upgrade an electrical meter box ranges from $100 to $650, including $50 to $250 for the unit. The meter base passes the power from your electric company to your panel. The cost to replace a meter base is roughly $50 to $250. </p><p>Service entrance cables are electrical cables with multiple wires, bringing power from electrical companies to residential buildings. The cost to replace a service entrance cable ranges roughly from $1,000 to $1,500.</p></div>

Q: Can you run a well pump just on solar power?

• <div><p>You&rsquo;ll need to make sure you have a big enough solar panel to meet your well pump&rsquo;s power demands, but you can use solar power to fully operate your well pump. It&rsquo;s also a good idea to have battery storage to hold the solar power so you can still use your well pump after dark.</p></div>

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Need a pro for your solar panel service project in Black Hawk, SD?

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Verified Reviews for Solar Panel Service pros in Black Hawk, SD

*The Angi rating for Solar Panel Service companies in Black Hawk, SD is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Solar Panel Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Solar Panel Service companies in Black Hawk, SD is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Solar Panel Service needs.

Last update on April 09, 2025

Reviewed in April 2025
Second time I have used this company. Both times Ray Rice has done an excellent job of guiding me through products, asking questions and assisting me with the best options. I was kept up to date throughout the end-to-end process. The installation team was excellent and cleaned up nicely...
Renewal by Andersen of Rapid City
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Reviewed in January 2025
I was pleased with the quality of Cody’s work installing an EV charger. He was very honest. I thought I needed to upgrade my 150 amp service panel to a 200 amp panel to handle the EV charger, but when he evaluated the extra load and the panel’s current load, he told me the upgrade was not needed...
Mr. Electric of the Black Hills
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Reviewed in March 2024
I had a breaker panel that needed to be upgraded. Technician was very friendly and polite. The entire job was done in half a day and everything went very smoothly. I would definitely call them again.
Innovation Electric LLC
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Reviewed in February 2024
JM&M CONSTRUCTION DID AN EXCEPTION JOB ON ALL ASPECTS OF THIS PROJECT. THERE EMPLOYEES ARE VERY PROFESSIONAL AND SKILLED AND I WOULD GIVE THEM 5 STARS AND HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM TO ANYONE THAT NEEDS A COMPANY THAT WILL STAY ON THE JOB TILL COMPLETE AND NOT JUMP FROM ONE PROJECT TO ANOTHER.
JM&M Construction LLC
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Reviewed in April 2023
David was a joy and provided great service. Excellent electrical work installing ceiling fan and light fixtures. He also installed new separate rocker-panel light switch for separately control light from fan. Handyman services performed to install and hang metal cabinets to drywall in garage. ...
Motif Properties
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Reviewed in November 2022
Refinished a back porch with sanding and paint. Very friendly customer service and easy to work with.
Marlons Repair
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Reviewed in June 2021
Prompt responses to my inquiries, very reasonable fees, and top notch roofing crew. They worked fast, did a great job and cleaned up afterward. Very reputable company.
Teamwork Exteriors
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Reviewed in June 2017
Wade at Rushmore Fencing was wonderful to work with! My husband contacted Rushmore Fencing for this job because a few years ago we contacted 3 companies for a fence estimate at our previous home and Rushmore Fencing was the only company who responded and Wade came to our house within a couple...
Rushmore Fencing Company Inc
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Reviewed in May 2014
Crew shows up 3 days late and wants to borrow my tools. workers played a boombox which disturbed the neighbors. new siding blew off the rear of the trailer and the deck panels broke and blew off the trailer. The job was not done well and we were overcharges about $3,00.00 and warrantee was not...
Bang-Up Construction LLC
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Reviewed in May 2011
I called Micks to get an estimate on re-wiring my house, and adding a sub panel to the garage. I was told they charge $40.00, (might have been $35.00) just to come out and ESTIMATE the job. Not this kid, I went with Dales Electric...he's not even on Angie's List...No charge for estimate, and...
Mick's Electric Inc
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Find Solar panel pros in Black Hawk

R&J Solar LLC

5.0(

)

Solar Panel InstallSolar Panels For Electric System - Install - For BusinessSolar Panels For Electric System - Repair+1 more

Serving Black Hawk, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We provide residential and commercial solar power options, and provide support services for industry partner companies. We offer no cost consultations and $0 down financing. Please contact our office for a consultation at (931)922-8258.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Solar Water Heater System - InstallSolar Water Heater System - Install - For BusinessSolar Water Heater System - Repair+1 more

Serving Black Hawk, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

"Everything went very well. Dennis was flexible on scheduling and was able to work with the other subcontractors. Thanks for the great work."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Dish Network Retailer Satellite Country

4.0(

283

)

Solar Panel InstallSolar Panels For Electric System - Install - For BusinessSolar Panels For Electric System - Repair+1 more

Serving Black Hawk, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"WE lose signal when it storms, but only for a very short time. A little expensive compared to Dish, but the programming is much better.
"

Recommended by74%of homeowners

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Patriot Plumbing Inc - Home Facebook

4.5(

)

Solar Water Heater System - Install

Serving Black Hawk, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1985

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Scott and Grant were extremely helpful in my situation. They are honest and don't make excuses. They got the job done in a timely manner, even after an unneeded 3 hour phone and email tennis match with another company who should've carried the lifetime warranty. They found a replacement thru West River Electric, went and picked it up and installed it. We all learned something today. Thanks again for your diligence and hard work."

Response time1 day

Recommended by97%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Solar Water Heater System - InstallSolar Water Heater System - Install - For BusinessSolar Water Heater System - Repair+1 more

Serving Black Hawk, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"They don't use the same contractor. You don't always get the best. It's cheaper for major repairs. They cover everything, parts, labor."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Global Synergy Powers

New to Angi

Solar Panel Install

Serving Black Hawk, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Global Synergy Powers is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

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Solar Panels questions, answered by experts

While you can install solar panels by yourself, it can be a complicated process full of lots of manual labor, risky roof work, and knowledge of electrical wiring. Most solar panel installation projects should be reserved for a trained professional—especially if you plan on connecting your panels to the electrical grid rather than for off-grid use, which doesn’t require utility services.

Solar panels should get at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily. It’s even better if sunlight reaches panels between the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. This is enough to power a home, depending on your solar system’s size and energy needs. Remember that panels will generate some power under cloudy skies or in the shade, and many systems compensate for lower sun exposure by drawing energy from the grid or battery storage.

There are a few qualifying questions you should ask a local solar panel company before hiring them:

Will you handle permits for the installation?
Does your total price include the equipment and labor?
How long do you expect the installation process to take?
What kind of workmanship warranty do you include with your installations?
Who should I contact if I have a problem with my system after installation?
Do you install the panels or outsource the work to third parties?
Will you file for solar incentives for me?

Installing a new electrical meter box
Replacing your meter base
Replacing your service entrance cable

The cost to install or upgrade an electrical meter box ranges from $100 to $650, including $50 to $250 for the unit. The meter base passes the power from your electric company to your panel. The cost to replace a meter base is roughly $50 to $250.

Service entrance cables are electrical cables with multiple wires, bringing power from electrical companies to residential buildings. The cost to replace a service entrance cable ranges roughly from $1,000 to $1,500.

You’ll need to make sure you have a big enough solar panel to meet your well pump’s power demands, but you can use solar power to fully operate your well pump. It’s also a good idea to have battery storage to hold the solar power so you can still use your well pump after dark.

The Black Hawk, SD homeowners’ guide to solar panel services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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How Much Does It Cost to Repair Solar Panels? [2026 Data]
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How Much Does Solar Panel Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
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3 Types of Solar Panels to Power Your Home
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Solar Panels vs. Solar Shingles: Which Is the Better Fit for Your House?
If you’re making the switch to solar energy, you’ll want to know the difference between solar panels versus solar shingles. Here are the pros and cons of each.