In South Dakota, the biggest weather threat to your power supply is extreme cold, so plan a backup system that keeps heat and essentials running through a winter outage. Below, you'll find installers by city, how to check a license with the South Dakota Electrical Commission, and questions to ask before you hire.
Find an Installer by City
Don't see your city? Many installers serve a wide area. Check the nearest city, or ask us for help.
Installers Serving South Dakota
We're still vetting installers in South Dakota. In the meantime, our team can help you plan a system and explain what to look for in an installer.
Home Backup in South Dakota: What to Know
Outages and the South Dakota Grid
Cold waves lead South Dakota's outage-related weather risks, with about $188 million in expected annual losses in FEMA's National Risk Index, followed by tornadoes and wildfire. Within the state, Dewey County faces the highest cold-wave losses.
Utilities
Black Hills Energy, Xcel Energy and NorthWestern Energy serve many South Dakota cities, and electric cooperatives serve most rural areas.
Incentives and Utility Programs
Ask Black Hills Energy, Xcel Energy, NorthWestern Energy or your electric co-op about battery, demand-response or export-rate programs before you size a system. Programs change often, and DSIRE (dsireusa.org) lists current state and utility incentives.
Checking an Installer's License
South Dakota licenses electricians and electrical contractors through the Electrical Commission in the Department of Labor and Regulation. Contact the commission to confirm a license.
Permits and Inspections
Electrical wiring installations must be inspected by a state electrical inspector, with a rough-in and a final inspection under a state wiring permit.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Home Backup Installer
- Are you licensed for this work in South Dakota? Ask for the license number and check it with the South Dakota Electrical Commission.
- Will you pull the permits and schedule the inspections? Permitted work protects your insurance and resale value.
- Have you installed this type of system before? Ask about battery, generator or transfer-switch projects like yours, and which brands.
- Will you install equipment I buy myself? Many installers will. Some only install what they sell. Ask before you buy.
- What's included in the quote? Look for the equipment, panel work, transfer switch, permits, utility paperwork and haul-away.
- What warranty do you provide on your workmanship? It's separate from the manufacturer's equipment warranty.
- How will the system switch over in an outage? Automatic or manual, and which circuits will be backed up.
- Who services the system after installation?
Need Help Choosing Equipment First?
Tell us about your home and what you want to keep running, and an Outbound Power specialist will recommend a system and explain how installation would work. No obligation.
South Dakota Home Backup FAQs
Do I need a licensed contractor to install a home battery in South Dakota?
Are there South Dakota incentives for home batteries?
How do home batteries handle cold weather?
Lithium batteries charge more slowly in freezing temperatures, and many models protect themselves by limiting charging. Indoor or garage placement, or models with built-in heating, help. Your installer will advise on placement.
Can I buy my own equipment and hire a local installer?
Often, yes. Many installers will install customer-supplied equipment, but policies vary. Each listing in this directory shows whether the installer says they do. Confirm with the installer before you buy, and share the exact model so they can plan the installation.
Does Outbound Power install equipment?
No. Outbound Power sells home backup equipment and helps you plan a system. Installation is done by independent, licensed contractors like those listed here.
How are installers chosen for this directory?
Installers apply or are invited. Before listing, we confirm their business identity, check their license with the South Dakota Electrical Commission, and confirm their services and service area. Verified installers have also completed an insurance and reputation review. Nobody pays to be listed or for placement. Directory standards →
Installers listed here are independent businesses, not employees or agents of Outbound Power. We check the items described in our directory standards, but we don't supervise or guarantee their work. Confirm licensing, permits, pricing and warranty terms in your written agreement. Listed in alphabetical order; Verified installers appear first. Nobody pays for placement.
