Guides
Welcome to SD Solar: What We Do & Our Standards
Meet SD Solar, your local solar installer. Learn what we design, install, and service, plus the workmanship standard we hold every job to.
By SD Solar5 min readUpdated 4 September 2026
Who is SD Solar and what do we actually do?
SD Solar is a local solar contractor founded in 2018 on Maple Street, designing and installing rooftop photovoltaic systems, battery storage, and EV charger tie-ins for homes and small businesses in our service area. We handle site assessment, permitting, install, commissioning, and long-term service. A typical 7 kW residential install runs $18,500 before incentives.
What kinds of solar projects do we take on?
Most weeks we're on a mix of pitched-roof residential jobs, small commercial flat-roof arrays, and battery retrofits for homeowners who already have panels but got tired of losing power every storm. We also do ground-mount systems where roof orientation or shading rules out a rooftop install.
Not every home is a good candidate. That's the honest truth. Last October a couple on Birch Lane asked us for a 10 kW system, and after a shade study we told them to hold off. Two mature oaks were killing their south exposure, and cutting them wasn't on the table. We walked away from a $26,000 job because the payback math didn't work. If you want to know how we think through fit before quoting, read how we vet a project before we sign.
Here's what we install and service:
- Grid-tied rooftop PV systems from 4 kW to 15 kW for single-family homes.
- Commercial rooftop arrays up to 100 kW for warehouses, offices, and small retail.
- Battery storage retrofits using LFP chemistry rated for 6,000+ cycles.
- Ground-mount systems for rural properties with unshaded southern exposure.
- EV charger installation tied into new or existing solar arrays.
- Annual inspection and cleaning contracts starting at $180 per visit.
- Warranty service on inverters, optimizers, and racking hardware.
What standard do we hold every install to?
The standard is simple to state and hard to hold: every system we build should still be producing above 85% of its year-one output at year 25. That's the manufacturer spec on most tier-1 panels [1], and it's also the number we design the mounting, wiring, and inverter sizing around. Cut a corner on flashing or torque spec and you don't find out for six years. We've seen it.
We follow NEC 2020 wiring practices, IronRidge or equivalent racking with published wind and snow load ratings, and every penetration is flashed with a butyl-backed aluminum plate under the shingle course above. No caulk-only roof seals. Ever.
One thing we push back on: the industry obsession with lowest-cost panels. Most people ask first about panel wattage and price per watt. Wrong first question. Ask about the inverter warranty and who honors it if the manufacturer folds. We've replaced three inverters this year from a brand that exited the U.S. market in 2022, and the homeowners had no recourse. According to NREL research, inverter failure is the single largest cause of PV system underperformance in years 5-15 [2].
How does SD Solar compare to the two other options homeowners consider?
| Option | Typical cost (7 kW) | Install timeline | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SD Solar (local installer) | $18,500 | 4-6 weeks | Homeowners who want one accountable local contact for 25 years |
| National solar chain | $22,000-$26,000 | 8-14 weeks | Buyers who value brand recognition over local service |
| Solar lease / PPA | $0 upfront | 6-10 weeks | Households that can't use the federal tax credit |
The federal residential clean energy credit currently covers 30% of system cost through 2032 [3], which changes the math significantly if you own your system outright rather than leasing. We walk every client through both paths. If a lease is genuinely better for your situation, we'll say so.
Want more on how we work day to day? See what a typical install week looks like.
FAQ
Do you service systems you didn't install?
Yes. About 20% of our service calls are on arrays installed by companies that have since closed or left the area. We charge a flat $220 diagnostic fee, and if you decide to proceed with repairs that fee credits against the work. Bring your original install paperwork if you have it. It speeds things up.
How long does a typical residential install take on-site?
Two to three days on the roof for a standard 7-10 kW system, assuming no structural surprises. Permitting and utility interconnection approval add three to five weeks before we start. The physical install is the fastest part. Paperwork is the slow part, and nobody warns you.
What warranty comes with an SD Solar install?
Panels carry a 25-year manufacturer performance warranty. Inverters are typically 12 years, extendable to 25. Our workmanship warranty on the install itself, including roof penetrations and racking, is 10 years and transfers with the home if you sell.
Are you licensed and insured locally?
Yes, licensed electrical contractor in this state since 2018, fully insured for $2M general liability, and every crew member on your roof is a W-2 employee, not a day-hire subcontractor. Ask any installer you're considering for their license number and insurance certificate. If they hesitate, that's your answer.
