sunfinderFree Calculator
Montana · MT

Solar Panels in Montana:
Is It Worth It in 2026?

Montana averages 1268.8 kWh per kWp per year with 4.9 peak sun hours per day. At 12.86¢/kWh, an 8 kW system saves roughly $1,305/year and pays back in about 11.6 years.

Montana Solar at a Glance

Peak sun hours / day4.9 hrs
Avg solar yield1268.8 kWh/kWp/yr
Electricity rate12.86¢ / kWh
Avg payback (8 kW)11.6 years
Annual savings (8 kW)$1,305/yr
Net meteringFull retail net metering ✓

EIA data updated: April 11, 2026 · EIA, PVGIS v5.3

Solar Incentives in Montana

Federal ITC
30%

The 30% federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. Cash and loan purchases no longer qualify. State incentives below still apply.

State Programs
Rebates & Exemptions

Full retail net metering, property tax exemption

Total Savings
Varies

Utility rebates, exemptions, and net metering still apply. Federal ITC expired Dec 2025. Property value increase is tax-exempt.

All Available Incentives in Montana

Federal ITC (Section 25D) — Expired December 31, 2025 — no longer available for residential cash/loan
Property Tax Exemption — Solar-added home value not taxed
Net Metering — Full retail net metering ✓

How Much Solar Power Do Montana Cities Get?

Real PVGIS yield data and EIA electricity rates for all 3 cities. Click any city for detailed payback calculations.

Billings
1332.3 kWh/kWp · 11 yr payback
Missoula
1162.9 kWh/kWp · 12.6 yr payback
Great Falls
1311.1 kWh/kWp · 11.2 yr payback
Personalized estimate

Enter your monthly bill — get exact payback numbers for Montana.

Calculator
All Montana incentives

Full breakdown of credits, rebates, net metering, and SREC programs.

Incentives

Solar in Montana: Frequently Asked Questions

Is solar worth it in Montana?
For many homeowners, yes — though payback is longer than average in Montana. Low electricity rates (12.86¢/kWh) extend payback to 11.6 years. But the 25-year savings (~$24,035) still significantly exceed system costs, and electricity prices will likely rise. Montana passed HB 218 establishing net metering. Low electricity rates and cold winters mean payback is longer, but sunny summers produce well.
What solar incentives are available in Montana?
Montana homeowners can stack multiple incentives: the state solar incentives (federal ITC expired Dec 2025) (ITC) — $6,480 on a typical 8 kW system; a property tax exemption (solar-added home value not taxed); and net metering through NorthWestern Energy. Montana passed HB 218 establishing net metering. Low electricity rates and cold winters mean payback is longer, but sunny summers produce well.
How much electricity do solar panels produce in Montana?
Montana averages 1268.8 kWh per kWp of solar per year — 15% below the US average. An 8 kW system produces roughly 10,150 kWh/year, with a monthly average of 105.7 kWh/kWp. Output varies by location: southern Montana produces more than the north.
How much do solar panels cost in Montana?
The average 8 kW system in Montana costs approximately $21,600.0 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC ($6,480), your net cost is around $15,120. Prices range from $2.40–$3.20/watt installed depending on installer, panel brand, and cold winters, high snow load — steep tilt recommended.

Going Solar in Montana: Step by Step

From first quote to first kilowatt — here is the typical timeline for a residential solar installation in Montana. Most homeowners complete this process in 6–12 weeks.

  1. 1
    Get 3 quotes

    Prices in Montana average $22,400 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Getting three quotes typically saves 10–15%. Use the same system size so you can compare apples to apples.

  2. 2
    Review your electricity bill

    Your last 12 months of usage determines the right system size. At 12.86¢/kWh in Montana, a system that offsets 90% of your bill hits the best cost-per-kWh sweet spot.

  3. 3
    Check state incentives

    Montana does not have a statewide solar tax credit, but utility rebates and net metering may still apply. Full retail net metering.

  4. 4
    Sign contract & apply for permits

    Your installer pulls the building permit and files interconnection paperwork with your utility. Permit approval in Montana typically takes 1–4 weeks depending on your county.

  5. 5
    Installation day

    A standard 8 kW residential installation takes 1–2 days. Racking goes on first, then panels, then the inverter is wired to your main panel. The crew usually keeps the power on throughout.

  6. 6
    Utility inspection & interconnection

    After installation your utility inspects the system and approves grid connection. This final step can take 1–3 weeks. Once approved, your meter tracks both import and export.

Data summary for Montana: Montana averages 1268.8 kWh/kWp/year with 4.9 peak sun hours/day. Electricity costs 12.86¢/kWh. An 8 kW solar system saves ~$1,305/year and pays back in 11.6 years. Full retail net metering, property tax exemption.