Choosing the right solar installer in Montana can feel overwhelming. There are so many questions to answer before making the decision you can spend hours researching. That’s why we’ve simplified it for you.
Our guide highlights Montana’s top-rated solar companies, combining Resident Solar Power expert insights with feedback from locals who’ve made the switch.
There is no need to surf the web looking for information crumbs to get the big picture. Years in business, reviews from real customers, online reputation, panel brands, warranty, social media overview, and more—we have it all. The hard work is done to help you make the right decision.
We prioritize companies committed to long-term service and reliability. Here’s our list of Montana’s most trusted solar installers:
Solar Montana review 330 Fuller Ave, Suite 1, Helena MT, 59601
Solar Montana review 420 North Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Solar Montana read more…
Solar Montana review 420 N Last Chance Gulch, Helena MT, 59601
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Solar Montana read more…
Purelight Power review 34 Industry Loop, Helena MT, 59635
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Purelight Power read more…
Independent Power review 2430 North 7th Avenue #6, Bozeman MT, 59715
Our Expert Choice badge goes to Independent Power, which concentrates on serving fewer than 2 states. With a foundation dating read more…
OnSite Energy review 1515 N Rouse Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, OnSite Energy read more…
Solar Plexus LLC review 1002 Burlington Ave., Suite 100 Missoula Montana 59801
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Solar Plexus read more…
Solar Plexus LLC review 1605 Stephens Avenue , Missoula MT, 59801
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Solar Plexus read more…
Big Sky Solar & Wind review 1308 River St, Missoula, MT 59801, United States
Big Sky Solar & Wind is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 read more…
SBS Solar review 1819 Kensington Ave, Missoula MT, 59801
SBS Solar is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. With a read more…
SBS Solar review 3225 Helena Drive, Missoula, Montana 59803
SBS Solar is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. With a read more…
SBS Solar review 620 Fish Hathery Road, Hamilton MT, 59840
SBS Solar is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. With a read more…
Carbon Recall Kalispell Solar review 303 Airport Wy Suite 6, Kalispell, MT 59901
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Carbon Recall read more…
Purelight Power review 1925 Grand Ave, Billings Montana, 59102
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Purelight Power read more…
YellowBall Roofing & Solar review 454 Moore Ln, Billings, MT 59101
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, YellowBall Roofing read more…
Solar Installation Cost in Montana
If you’re considering solar energy, your first question is probably about how much solar panels cost. In Montana, the cost of solar panels currently runs about $2.66 to $3.00 per watt depending on your location and installer. Most homeowners who install a standard 5-kilowatt system pay around $13,300 to $15,000 upfront.
Here’s a breakdown of what different system sizes will cost you:
| System Size | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 4 kW | $10,640 – $12,000 |
| 5 kW | $13,300 – $15,000 |
| 6 kW | $15,960 – $18,000 |
| 7 kW | $18,620 – $21,000 |
| 8 kW | $21,280 – $24,000 |
| 10 kW | $26,600 – $30,000 |
Several things influence the cost to install solar panels: the size of your system, the quality of equipment you choose, your installer’s pricing, and what your property needs. Bigger systems mean higher upfront costs, but they usually deliver better value over time because they generate more power.
Note that residential solar panels have a lifespan of between 25 and 30 years, making them a good long-term investment when it comes to supplying your home energy needs.
Montana Solar Incentives and Solar Tax Credits
Montana has a number of solar incentives that can lower your solar investment:
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC): Important Update: The federal solar tax credit was ended early, with a final expiration date of December 31, 2025 for residential systems purchased with cash or loans. If you’re considering solar, acting before the end of 2025 may provide significant savings—the credit covers 30% of your total installation costs including panels, inverters, installation labor, permits, and sales taxes. For Montana homeowners, this typically translates to about $4,000 to $4,500 in savings on a 5 kW system.
Property Tax Exemption: When you add solar panels, Montana won’t increase your property taxes on that added value. The state exempts 100 percent of your system’s value for 10 years, up to $20,000.
Net Metering: If you’re connected to an investor-owned utility, you can participate in net metering for systems up to 50 kilowatts. This program credits you for any excess electricity your panels send back to the grid, which you can use to offset future bills.
Specific Considerations for Montana Solar
Montana gets more sunshine than many people expect, especially across the central and eastern parts of the state. Despite our northern location, solar panels in Montana work well here. They actually perform better in cold weather than in extreme heat, which benefits Montana homeowners.
The interconnection process is fairly straightforward if your system is under 50 kW and you work with investor-owned utilities like NorthWestern Energy. They have established procedures in place. Permitting also differs from place to place—with some cities having streamlined applications and others requiring more documentation.
If you are a rural electric co-op customer, you will need to contact your co-op directly, as each co-op has its own rules for solar interconnections.
Timeline Projections
From when your contract is signed to when your new system is activated, it will take anywhere from 60 to 90 days (roughly 2-3 months). Here’s how that breaks down:
Permitting Phase (2-4 weeks): Your installer files the permit applications with your local building department. Urban municipalities like Billings and Missoula process these faster than rural counties.
Installation Stage (1-2 days): Panels and equipment are installed within a couple of days for typical residential projects.
Inspection and Interconnection (2-6 weeks): Once installed, your system must pass inspections and receive utility approval for grid connection. The availability of inspections and the speed of utility processing determine the timetable.
Is It Worth Going Solar in Montana?
For most Montana homeowners wondering “are solar panels worth it in” their state, solar can make financial sense, though the economics have changed with the expiration of the federal tax credit at the end of 2025.
With current electricity rates and system costs, Montana solar systems typically pay for themselves in 15 to 20 years without the federal tax credit, or 10 to 15 years if installed before the December 31, 2025 deadline. After payback, you’re generating essentially free electricity for another 5 to 15 years of your system’s life.
Between the property tax exemption and net metering, there are still financial benefits to consider. When considering how much do solar panels cost in Montana versus their benefits, your actual savings depend on how much electricity you use now, what your utility charges, how big your system is, and how much sun your property gets.
Montana is a very good place to use net metering. When your panels generate the most power in the summer, you get credits that may be used to offset your winter expenditures. Those credits effectively balance out the seasonal differences.
Montana homeowners who want to lower their energy costs should consider getting solar panels. They should do this before the federal tax credit runs out at the end of 2025. This is because they can save money in the long run and get incentives.
How Much Can Solar Panels Save Me in Montana?
Finding out how much you can save on solar in Montana is not a straightforward answer. It depends on several factors, including the solar billing of your utility company, the size of a potential solar system on your roof, and your household’s energy consumption. While most solar installers will try to cover all your electricity needs, the actual savings will depend on your home’s unique conditions. To get a personal estimate of how much you could potentially save by going solar, fill out a simple form on our website, use Google’s Project Sunroof solar savings calculator, or consult with a couple of local solar installation companies for a personalized savings calculation.
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Solar Financing Explained
You can pay for solar panels in a couple of ways:
- Cash
- Installer solar loans
- Personal loans
- Cash-out refinance or HELOC
- Solar Leases or Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)
First, there is a cash purchase, which in most cases provides the best price and long-term savings, but the upfront payment is not always affordable. If you want to own your solar panels and don’t have about $15,000 to $20,000 in the bank, you’ll have to choose solar panel financing.
You can consider a personal loan, a home equity line of credit, or a solar loan offered by the solar company. However, keep in mind that these loans come with interest and additional fees. Solar loans often are tied to dealer fees, which can increase the total cost of your solar system by 20% or more in exchange for a lower interest rate. To ensure you get the best possible deal, it is wise to compare the dealer fees and interest rates offered by different installers. This way, you can decide based on the most favorable terms available.
Some companies offer solar leases or PPAs that require zero upfront cost. But in such cases, you don’t own solar panels, and you are not eligible for any solar rebates or federal tax credit. And, because you have to pay the solar company monthly, your total solar savings will be lower. Ask for detailed savings calculations from a solar installer to decide on the best option. In most cases, you will still be paying less for electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Rank Solar Installers
We aim to provide homeowners like you with top-rated solar companies you can trust. Our solar experts analyzed thousands of local and nationwide installers to determine who is best in a specific location. The solar company ranking methodology is based on gathering input from homeowner surveys, consulting with industry experts, and extensive research into the solar energy market. Here are the things we believe are the most important to consider when choosing a solar company.
In short, here’s how we pick top installers:
– Company that has been in business for over five years as it indicates stability, reliability, and successful installations.
– Local solar companies over big national ones covering multiple areas as they can provide better personal attention and know more about the solar needs and regulations in their area.
– Companies with hands-on experience and a wealth of projects under their belt are more likely to deliver efficient and timely installations that cater to specific customer needs.
– Companies that handle their own installations instead of outsourcing to subcontractors ensure a higher caliber of work and nurture a culture of excellence and accountability in service.
– Select a company that has a good overall reputation and reviews on sites like SolarReviews, BBB, Google Maps, and Yelp.
– The company is licensed and insured and holds relevant certifications such as NABCEP certification.
– Companies that offer a wide selection of high-quality solar panels and related products and work with reputable brands.
– Companies that provide flexible financing options such as solar loans, leases, or power purchase agreements.
– Installers that provide substantial workmanship warranties and system performance guarantees.
Read more:
Our Methodology
What Made Us Choose Sources for Expert Score?
How We Classify Solar Installers: What Matters Most?
What to Look for In a Solar Company
To ensure that you partner with a great provider that can meet your needs of going solar, look for the following:
– Ensure the solar installer has industry-standard certifications, such as those from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), indicating that they meet the gold standard in renewable energy installations. Also, verify if they are licensed, bonded, and insured for residential solar projects in your area. If subcontractors are involved, check their credentials as well.
– Prioritize installers with a proven track record in solar installations, ideally with at least 5+ years of experience. Ask about the number of systems they’ve installed and their project portfolio. A competent installer should openly discuss the solar panels, inverters, and batteries they use if they help to take advantage of local solar incentives and rebates, and warranty coverage specifics.
– Your installer should be forthcoming about the installation process and answer any questions you might have, like “How many solar panels will I need? Why?”, “Can you give me a detailed cost breakdown based on my energy consumption?”, “What solar panel brands do you install? Why?”, etc.. They should also be transparent about their use of subcontractors, detailing their roles and how their work will be supervised.
– A preliminary evaluation of your roof’s condition is the groundwork. The installer should advise on necessary repairs to ensure it’s ready for solar panel installation and clarify responsibilities for any potential roof damage during the process. Discuss aesthetic concerns, such as the placement of solar panels around roof vents or the possibility of relocating vents for a more visually appealing setup.
– Check the installer’s reputation through online reviews and testimonials. They should be able to connect you with past customers willing to share their experiences. Personal recommendations from friends or neighbors who’ve gone solar can also be invaluable.
– Solar installation costs can vary widely, so obtaining multiple quotes is advisable. Experienced installers will adjust their offers to your home’s specifics—size, energy needs, etc. For an objective cost comparison, calculate the price per watt of the proposed system, giving you a standardized basis to evaluate different quotes.
Should You Choose a Local Solar Installer or a Big National Company?
Always choose a local solar company over a big national corporation. Small local companies operating in a distinct area are better than multi-state and national solar companies and large corporations. It’s the small local companies who get the best reviews on our website, and it’s the national multistate companies who get very poor reviews. Why so, you may ask?
Solar is a local service business, for the most part, and it is extremely difficult to run a solar company and offer good customer service to many locations from a central office.
Local ones have a community connection, they know the incentives and regulations in the area better, and they simply care more about you than large businesses trying to get into your pocket and overprice you. While multi-state solar companies might try to convince you by financial stability and “quality of installations across different locations”, try to choose a local company that meets all your criteria.
What Does a Solar Installation Look Like?
Here’s how a solar system installation will look like once the design for your solar system is approved:
– First, a solar installer should estimate your energy needs, and analyze your annual and monthly electricity consumption, which you can find on utility bills measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Such calculations will help to understand potential savings, payback period, and the system size you need.
– A home energy audit is something every experienced solar company would do to understand the size and output needed.
– Next question on the list: are your house’s roof conditions good enough for installation? A solar installer should carefully inspect the roof and ensure its conditions and orientation are good to go, how and where to better place solar panels and wire the system.
– Next, they will design the system and show you how it’s going to look.
You will usually need a permit to install solar panels from your local authorities, and the solar provider should handle all the paperwork.
– The entire process might take up to 3 months depending on the state and local regulations, while the system installation is usually up to 3 days (might take longer depending on roof conditions and system complexity).
– The installation crew should always clean up and remove any debris, leaving your house in good condition.
– When the system is installed, local municipality inspection should check and approve it.
– If you’re connecting your system to the grid, it has to be wired to your local utility system. You’ll apply for connection through your utility company, which will also want to inspect your system to ensure it’s following utility guidelines. Some installers may help you with this step, so always ask. Once you have all the permits, your system will be up and running, powering your home with solar.
Find the Best Solar Installers Near You
