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New to plug-in solar?

Plug-in solar lets anyone generate free electricity — no roof, no permit, no contractor. A single panel on your balcony can meaningfully cut your bill, especially as rates keep rising.

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South Dakota

Not yet legal

South Dakota is one of only a handful of states with no statewide net metering or distributed generation compensation — Xcel Energy, which offers net metering in most other states it serves, excludes South Dakota, and Black Hills Energy and NorthWestern Energy have no net metering mandate either. There's also no solar-access law limiting HOA restrictions; only voluntary solar easements (SDCL §43-13-18, §43-13-20.3) exist. As of mid-2026, South Dakota is among roughly 16 states with no plug-in/balcony solar legislative activity.

Get notified when South Dakota goes legal

Laws are spreading state by state. One email when South Dakota passes — no spam.

What You Can Use in South Dakota While You Wait

Plug-in solar that ties into your home's wiring isn't legal here yet — but a portable solar generator (a panel charging a battery you plug devices into directly) never touches your home's wiring, so it's legal in South Dakota right now, no law required.

Budget start

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus (288Wh Battery)

0.288 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel

$299
Check price ↗
Most popular

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 (1kWh Battery)

1.07 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel

$449
Check price ↗
Whole-apartment backup

Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 (2.04kWh Battery)

2.042 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel

$749
Check price ↗

See the full solar backup guide

Runtime charts for real devices, more kit options, and setup steps.

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Electricity Cost Trend

↑ 3.0%/yr avg — Low growth
Rates up 16% over the past 5 years
From $0.101/kWh in 2021 → $0.117/kWh today. Every year you delay solar, your bills compound.
3.0%
avg. annual increase
Historical avg. residential rate ($/kWh)
$0.101
2021
$0.104
2022
$0.107
2023
$0.110
2024
$0.114
2025
$0.117
2026
20-year projected rate
$0.211/kWh
at 3.0%/yr escalation
Extra you'll pay over 20 yrs*
$804
vs. today's rates (1,000 kWh/mo household)
Best time to go solar
Now
Each year of delay = a year of higher grid bills

What a South Dakota Law Could Look Like

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Based on neighboring states

Utah (1,200W), Maine (600W), and Virginia (1,000W pending) provide the template. A South Dakota law would likely allow 600–1,200W systems to plug into standard household outlets — no permit required.

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High rates = strong economics

At South Dakota's avg. $0.117/kWh, a 600W system generating ~880 kWh/year saves roughly $103/year. Payback in as few as 8 years at current rates.

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Renters and condo owners

Plug-in solar requires no permanent installation — just an outlet. This makes it uniquely accessible to renters and condo owners who can't get rooftop solar.

FAQ

Is plug-in solar legal in South Dakota?
There's no specific law banning small plug-in solar devices, but South Dakota also has no net metering policy and no clear small-system interconnection rules, so connecting a plug-in device to the grid exists in a regulatory gray area. No plug-in solar legislation has been introduced as of mid-2026.
Can my HOA block solar panels in South Dakota?
Yes. South Dakota has no solar-access law restricting HOA covenants — only a voluntary solar easement statute for neighbor-to-neighbor agreements — so HOAs can legally ban or restrict solar installations, including balcony devices.
Does Xcel Energy offer net metering in South Dakota?
No. South Dakota is one of only three states where Xcel Energy does not offer net metering, even though it does in most other states it serves. Black Hills Energy and NorthWestern Energy also have no net metering mandate in South Dakota.
Why doesn't South Dakota have plug-in solar legislation?
As of mid-2026, South Dakota is among roughly 16 states with no plug-in/balcony solar bills introduced, likely reflecting the broader absence of any net metering framework that such legislation would typically interact with.
Is South Dakota a good state for solar?
South Dakota has decent solar resource for its latitude, comparable to Minnesota or Wisconsin, but the lack of net metering and incentives means solar adoption — including small plug-in setups — remains low.

Stay in the Loop

We monitor all 50 state legislatures. The moment South Dakota files a plug-in solar bill, you'll be the first to know.

Legal DisclaimerLaws change. Information on this site reflects our best understanding of current statutes as of the date shown. It is not legal advice. Verify requirements with your state utility commission, local building department, and a qualified attorney before installation.