How South Dakota Renters Can Save With Solar Power Credits

Rising utility costs can be a burden for many renters. In South Dakota, as interest in renewable energy like solar power continues to grow, some tenants have questions about how solar credits might reduce their utility bills, what rights they have, and how to benefit from any available programs. Understanding these opportunities—and the relevant state tenant laws—can help you make informed choices to save money and advocate for your interests.

Understanding Solar Power Credits and How They Affect South Dakota Renters

Solar credits, sometimes called net metering or shared solar credits, are ways that energy users can save on their electricity bills by using power generated from solar panels. In South Dakota, most solar installations are owned by property owners, but new opportunities like community solar (shared solar projects for multiple residents) are emerging.

• Solar credits: These are financial credits for electricity generated by solar panels, lowering your electric bill because your home or building produces some of its own energy.
• Net metering: This policy allows users who generate their own electricity to send excess power back to the grid in exchange for a credit on their utility bill.
• Community solar: If your landlord participates in a shared solar project, you might receive a discount on your utility bill, even if panels aren't on your building.

While most options currently benefit property owners, tenants can gain savings if their landlord decides to participate or if their building subscribes to a community solar project.

How Can Renters Benefit From Solar Credits?

As a renter, your access to solar savings depends on your lease terms, your landlord’s participation in solar programs, and what your utility provider offers. If your landlord provides utility-inclusive rent (where utilities are bundled into rent), you may not see direct savings. However, if you pay utilities directly, you could benefit through:

• Lower electric bills if solar panels are installed and net metering credits are applied
• Discounted rates from community solar or shared solar programs (if available in your area)

South Dakota state law does not currently require landlords to pass along solar savings to tenants, but nothing prevents them from doing so either. It’s a good idea to talk with your landlord if you’re interested in benefiting from solar. You can learn more about rules for solar access and renewable energy from the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission.

What Does the Law Say About Utilities and Solar Credits?

South Dakota’s residential rental laws are found in the South Dakota Codified Laws Chapter 43–32 (Landlord and Tenant)¹. These laws cover utility billing, landlord responsibilities, and tenant protections, but do not have specific rules about solar credits. Any credits or savings typically depend on your lease agreement and whether the landlord chooses to allocate savings.

• If your lease says you are responsible for the electric bill, you should see any net metering credits appear on your monthly bill from your local utility.
• If the landlord pays utilities and you pay a set amount or flat fee, it’s up to the landlord if savings are passed on.

Practical Steps for Renters Interested in Solar Credits

If you want to learn more about solar billing or believe you are entitled to savings, consider these steps:

• Contact your landlord to ask about property participation in solar or shared solar projects.
• Check with your utility provider for any available community solar programs or net metering options.
• Request a complete copy of your utility billing statement.
• Consult your lease agreement to see what it says about utilities and energy credits.

Depending on the city or provider, some renters may have access to official complaint forms if they believe utilities are not being billed fairly. For example, you can file a utility complaint about billing or service issues through the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission Consumer Complaint Form (form link provided below).

Official Forms for Utility and Solar Credit Issues

• South Dakota Public Utilities Commission Consumer Complaint Form: Use this form if you have a dispute about your utility billing or believe you should have received solar credits but did not. To use the form, visit the Consumer Complaint Form page, fill in your details, describe your issue, and submit it online. An example: If you see promised solar credits missing from your monthly electric bill, you can file a complaint here.

Which Board Handles Utility or Tenancy Issues?

The main tribunal for energy-related disputes in South Dakota is the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC). For rental housing disputes (like those involving landlords or leases), issues are addressed by the state civil courts. For more on landlord-tenant laws, see the South Dakota Landlord-Tenant Rights page from the Attorney General.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Credits and Tenant Savings in South Dakota

1. Can I get solar credits as a renter in South Dakota? You can potentially benefit if your landlord installs solar panels and passes on savings, or if you join a community solar program offered by your utility provider.
2. What should I do if I think my landlord is keeping solar savings? Request a copy of the utility bill and discuss your concerns openly. If unresolved, you can file a complaint with the South Dakota PUC.
3. Are landlords required to give tenants a share of solar credits? No state law requires it, but tenants and landlords can negotiate such terms in the lease.
4. Does South Dakota have tenant protections specific to solar power? No, but standard utility and fair billing rules apply under state landlord-tenant law.
5. How do I report unfair utility charges? Submit a complaint using the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission Consumer Complaint Form online.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• South Dakota Public Utilities Commission – For questions or complaints about utility billing, solar credits, and dispute resolution.
• South Dakota Attorney General: Residential Landlord-Tenant Rights – Guidance on tenant and landlord legal duties, utility disputes, and housing rights.
• Public Utilities Commission Consumer Complaint Form – For resolving issues with electricity billing or accessing solar credits.

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1. South Dakota Codified Laws Chapter 43–32 (Landlord and Tenant)

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