As of 2021 Montana is among the states with the highest share of electricity from renewable sources, yet the majority comes from hydro. During this time, Montana receives an average of 4.93 hours of peak sunshine. The daily recommendation for solar panels is four hours of direct sunlight, so it's surprising that only 1 percent of the state's electricity comes from solar power.
Installing solar panels makes you less dependent on the traditional electricity grid, which is especially helpful during power outages and can lead to lower energy bills. Solar energy is more sustainable because it is a renewable energy source and does not emit harmful pollutants. Significant decreases in solar panel prices and increased solar incentives make this a great time to consider solar panels for your home.
Here's what you need to know when considering solar panels in the Treasure State.
cost of solar panels in montana
The total cost of a solar system is determined by the make of the equipment, the cost of labor and other accessories. Solar panel prices have fallen 52% over the past decade due to falling costs of equipment, including panels, inverters and other components.
The size of the solar system, or the number of solar panels , is another major factor in the total cost. The size you need will depend on your home and your energy needs. A certified installer should help you design a solar system that fits your energy needs and budget. You also have to pay for installation, roof repairs, and additional equipment like solar panels.
There isn't enough data to determine the average cost of a solar system in Montana, but the average size, total cost, and price per watt, based on data from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, can give you an idea.
Average cost of solar panels in the United States
| | Plant size (kW) | Price per watt | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| nationwide | 8.6 kW | $3.67 | $31,558 |
Solar Financing Options for Montana Residents
There are several payment options to make solar energy accessible to all budgets. An interest-free, tax-free option is a cash purchase , but the initial cost is a significant investment. Solar loans are available for those who wish to take advantage of solar incentives without a down payment. If you want to pay a monthly fee with little upkeep or ownership, consider a solar lease or power purchase agreement , where you pay for the equipment (through a lease) or the energy you use (through a PPP).
Advertiser Disclosure : Owned by CNET's parent company, Red Ventures, SaveOnEnergy can help you find the right energy for your home. The SaveOnEnergy Marketplace helps you find, compare, save and save the right energy for your home, all for free. If you are interested in solar energy, answer a few questions to get an accurate quote from our solar consultants.
Incentives and discounts on Montana solar panels
Even though solar panel prices have gone down, installing solar panels in your home is still a great investment. Montana offers state incentives to make solar energy more affordable, such as property tax credits. The federal solar tax credit, known as the Home Clean Energy Credit , can cover up to 30% of the cost of a solar system.
The table below outlines some of the solar incentives available to you in Montana.
Montana Solar Incentives
| plan | description |
|---|---|
| internet balance | Residents can receive electricity bill credits for excess electricity generated by the solar system for volumes up to 50 kW. |
| Exclusion from the renewable energy system | Solar systems are exempt from property taxes up to $20,000 for 10 years. |
| Clean energy loan for homes | A federal tax credit of 30% of the cost of the solar system is applied as a credit on your next tax return. Solar systems installed between early 2022 and early 2032 are eligible. The loan will increase to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034. |
Solar panel companies in Montana
Montana has 31 solar companies to choose from, including 20 installers. Some companies complete the installation with their own team, while others do the selling and hire an installer. We recommend that you get several quotes from different companies before making a final decision. Consider requesting a price match if your business has a larger budget than the competition.
We've researched some of the best solar companies in Montana. Here are some options to consider.
Great Celestial Sun
Owned and operated in Missoula, Big Sky Solar's certified installers and electricians will inspect your home, compare your current energy usage and solar potential, then make an offer. What stands out the most about Big Sky is its convenience and transparency. Unlike other solar companies we've come across, Big Sky lists their pricing on their website—you don't have to take any calls or fill out any forms. Big Sky also installs solar panels from popular brands from Tesla, Panasonic, and Enphase. A 25-year guarantee protects the company's products and manufacturing quality.
site energy
OnSite Energy, headquartered in Bozeman, installs solar energy systems throughout the state, including projects for residents, businesses, farms and more. The company says it supports multiple solar energy systems in the state and that 1 percent of the cost of each solar system is donated to an environmental organization of the customer's choosing. OnSite Energy installs many popular brands to meet your needs, including REC Alpha panels and Tesla Powerwall solar panels.
Sun SBS
SBS Solar has been providing solar energy services in western Montana since 2014. The company installs a variety of solar panel mounting options, including roof, pole, and in-ground. SBS Solar say they will provide a free solar assessment and site survey, or you can send us a copy of your electricity bill for a quote. The company's website features an extensive photo and video library of past examples of its work.
Solar power
SunPower Solar is a national solar energy company that has been in business for over 35 years. SunPower offers high-quality solar panels with an efficiency rating of up to 22.8% and the panels come with a full 25-year system warranty. The business process begins with a free consultation that can be done virtually. SunPower says a solar specialist will work with you to design your system and find solar incentives to reduce costs. SunPower offers tools like the mySunPower app to monitor your system's performance and alert you when repairs are needed.
Stabilizing factors must be taken into consideration
Are solar panels a good idea for you? First, consider these five things .
- Are you a member of the HOA? Homeowners and other neighborhood associations in Montana may have rules or requirements regarding solar panels and their placement. Review the rules and contact your location with questions.
- Does your insurance cover solar panels? Review your current home insurance. Contact your reseller if your policy does not include solar panels.
- Are you renting a house? If you're prohibited from making any changes to your property, community solar programs are best. Check out Community Solar for subscription solar services for tenants .
- Is your roof shaded? The location of your home and roof can affect the efficiency of your solar panels. Constantly shaded surfaces can result in lower energy production. The panels work best with a minimum of 4 hours of sunlight per day.
- What is the condition of your roof? Old or damaged roofs require maintenance and repair before installing solar panels. Repairs may incur additional costs.
- How long are you going to stay at home? If you plan to move soon, you should probably leave the solar panels as they are difficult to remove and reinstall. The Department of Energy says solar panels can add $15,000 to the value of your home. If you haven't been home long enough to see a return on your investment, the increase in home value may not be worth the initial cost.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Energy in Montana
Are solar panels worth it in Montana?
Yes, solar panels are a great investment if you want to power your home with renewable energy. Montana offers many incentives for residents to make the choice of solar energy affordable. In addition, the federal clean energy credit can cover up to 30% of the cost of a solar installation.
How to find a solar installer?
In addition to the solar companies in this article, check out CNET's Top Picks for other potential installation options. The Montana Renewable Energy Association offers a list of solar installers. We recommend getting multiple quotes from multiple companies to find the best one for you.
Will I need a solar panel?
You will need a solar panel if you wish to have solar or off-grid electricity during an outage. If you plan to stay connected to the electricity grid, you may not have a solar panel. It is possible to install a solar system and add a battery later, but the installation may incur additional costs.
