Solar Panels in Billings, Montana

Q: How much do solar panels cost in Billings, Montana?

A typical 8 kW system in Billings costs approximately $22,400 installed (2026 average: ~$2.80/W). The federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025 and is no longer available for residential buyers. Your net cost is $22,400.

Q: Is solar worth it in Billings without the federal tax credit?

Billings produces 1332.3 kWh/kWp/year. An 8 kW system saves $1,371/year and pays back in 11 years — even without the expired federal credit. Solar is reasonably worth it in Billings.

Q: How long is the solar payback period in Billings?

The payback period in Billings is approximately 11 years, based on 1332.3 kWh/kWp annual yield (PVGIS v5.3) and a 12.86¢/kWh electricity rate (EIA data, updated April 11, 2026).

Billings receives 1332.3 kWh per kWp of solar panels per year — 12.5% below the US national average of 1,550 kWh/kWp. At Montana's electricity rate of 12.86¢/kWh, an 8 kW system saves roughly $1,371/year and pays back in 11 years.

Solar is reasonably worth it in Billings. Note: The 30% federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. The numbers below reflect today's actual costs.

Annual yield:1332.3 kWh/kWp

Electricity rate:12.86¢/kWh

Payback:11 yrs

Location:45.78°N

Billings Solar at a Glance

Annual solar yield1332.3 kWh/kWp/yr

Optimal tilt angle35° south-facing

Avg. daily sun hours21.5 hrs/day

Electricity rate12.86¢ per kWh

8 kW system cost (2026)$22,400

Your net cost$22,400

Annual savings$1,371/yr

Payback period11 years

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

How Much Solar Power Does Billings Get Each Month?

Monthly solar yield (kWh per kWp installed) based on PVGIS satellite data for 45.78°N, 108.50°W.

115

127

136

144

155

146

125

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Best month: 154.6 kWh/kWp (Jul)Worst month: 59.5 kWh/kWp (Dec)Monthly avg: 111 kWh/kWp

Live Solar Forecast for Billings

Real-time generation estimate for an 8 kW system based on today's weather forecast. Data: forecast.solar.

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Is a Home Battery Worth It in Billings?

A battery stores excess midday solar for use at peak evening hours. At 12.86¢/kWh in Billings, here is the math for the two most popular options.

Tesla Powerwall 3

Capacity

13.5 kWh

Installed cost

$11,500

Annual savings

$507

Payback

22.7 yrs

10-year value: $5,070 · Based on 365 cycles/yr, 12.86¢/kWh, 80% usable capacity. Does not include backup value or utility TOU rate savings.

Generic LFP 10 kWh

Capacity

10 kWh

Installed cost

$8,000

Annual savings

$360

Payback

22.2 yrs

10-year value: $3,600 · Based on 350 cycles/yr, 12.86¢/kWh, 80% usable capacity. Does not include backup value or utility TOU rate savings.

Battery ROI improves significantly in states with Time-of-Use (TOU) rates where peak electricity can cost 2–3× the off-peak rate. California (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E), New York (ConEd), and Massachusetts (Eversource) have the strongest TOU incentives for battery storage.

What Are the 25-Year Solar Savings in Billings?

Based on 1332.3 kWh/kWp/yr yield, 12.86¢/kWh electricity rate, and a 2026 system cost of $2.80/W. Federal tax credit expired Dec 31, 2025 — not included.

System cost

$22,400

Installed, 8 kW

Federal ITC

Expired

Sec. 25D ended Dec 2025

Net investment

$22,400

Your actual cost

25-yr savings

$32,561

Est. lifetime benefit

Federal Solar Tax Credit Update: The 30% residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired on December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill. Cash and loan purchases no longer qualify for the federal credit. State and local incentives below may still apply — check with your installer.

What Solar Incentives Are Available in Billings, Montana?

The federal ITC expired in 2025. These state and utility incentives still apply in Montana.

Property Tax Exemption

Montana exempts the solar-added home value from property taxes. A $22,400 system won't raise your tax bill.

Net Metering

Earn bill credits for excess solar electricity sent back to the grid.

Utility & Local Programs

Full retail net metering, property tax exemption

See all Montana incentives Solar learning guides

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Solar Panels in Billings: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do solar panels cost in Billings, Montana in 2026?

In Billings, a typical 8 kW solar system costs approximately $22,400 installed (at ~$2.80/W, the 2026 US average). The federal solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025, so that 30% rebate is no longer available for residential cash or loan purchases. Prices vary by installer, panel brand, and roof complexity.

Is solar worth it in Billings without the federal tax credit?

Billings generates 1332.3 kWh per kWp annually — 12.5% below the US average. At Montana's electricity rate of 12.86¢/kWh, an 8 kW system saves roughly $1,371/year and pays back in about 11 years — even without the expired federal credit. Solar is reasonably worth it in Billings.

How much electricity do solar panels produce in Billings?

In Billings, each kW of solar panels produces approximately 1332.3 kWh per year. An 8 kW system generates about 10,658.4 kWh annually — enough to cover the average Montana household's electricity use. Peak production hits 154.6 kWh/kWp in Jul, with the lowest output of 59.5 kWh/kWp in Dec. Data source: PVGIS v5.3 satellite radiation model.

What solar incentives are available in Billings, Montana?

the expired federal tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025 and is no longer available for residential buyers. Montana also exempts solar systems from property tax assessments. Net metering and local utility programs may provide additional savings.

How long is the solar payback period in Billings?

In Billings, the average payback period for an 8 kW solar system is approximately 11 years. This is based on 1332.3 kWh/kWp annual yield (PVGIS data), a 12.86¢/kWh electricity rate (EIA 2026 data), and an $22,400 installed cost. After payback, the system produces free electricity for 15–20 more years.

Environmental Impact & Home Value in Billings

An 8 kW solar system in Billings produces roughly 10,658.4 kWh/year. Here is what that means beyond your electricity bill.

🌿

CO₂ avoided per year

4.1 tonnes

4,114 kg · EPA grid avg 0.386 kg/kWh

🌳

Tree equivalent

189 trees

Trees needed to absorb same CO₂ annually

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Home value boost

+$1,546

Avg +6.9% (Lawrence Berkeley Lab / Zillow data)

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US homes powered

Avg US home uses 10,632 kWh/yr (EIA 2024)

How Many Solar Panels Do You Need in Billings?

The right system size depends on your annual electricity usage and how much of your bill you want to offset. In Billings, where annual solar yield is 1332.3 kWh per kWp, here is what different households typically need:

Annual usage	System size	Panels (400 W)	Est. cost	Annual savings
6,000 kWh Small home	4.6 kW	12 panels	$12,880	$772/yr
10,800 kWh Average home	8.2 kW	21 panels	$22,960	$1,389/yr
15,000 kWh Large home	11.3 kW	29 panels	$31,640	$1,929/yr
20,000 kWh Large + EV	15.1 kW	38 panels	$42,280	$2,572/yr

Costs based on $2.80/W installed (2026 US average). Panel count assumes 400 W modules. Savings based on current 12.86¢/kWh rate. State incentives not included — see above for Montana credits.

BillingsSolar Resources & 2026 Incentives

Key information for homeowners in Billings going solar in 2026 — after the federal 30% tax credit expired December 31, 2025.

⚡ Federal Tax Credit Status (2026)

The 30% Section 25D residential solar credit expired December 31, 2025. An 8 kW system in Billings costs $22,400 after any applicable state credits. The commercial Section 48 credit (for businesses, landlords) was not affected.

IRS Residential Clean Energy Credit →

🔌 Net Metering in Montana

Montana has a net metering policy. Contact your local utility for current export rates.

DSIRE — Montana Incentive Database →

🏛️ Montana State Incentives

Full retail net metering, property tax exemption

✓ Property tax exempt

📚 Authoritative Sources