It’s not just the natural resources that have helped Montana earn its “Treasure State” nickname. Montanans understand the value of hard work and the importance of investing in their future, which has been instrumental in Montana’s booming economic growth. Solar power is at the forefront of this growth, bringing new jobs to the state while helping residents save money and increase their property value.
Whether you’re interested in adding solar panels to your home or simply looking to learn more about solar energy in Montana, it’s important to understand the state of Montana’s solar energy policy and how it affects each resident’s future. Here’s a complete breakdown of Montana’s solar outlook and how it will shape its future.
The Growth of Solar Energy in Montana
Solar adoption has been relatively slow in Big Sky Country, as Montana ranks 45th for solar power in the United States — just a bit higher than its neighbors North Dakota and South Dakota. However, Montana’s solar energy production is enough to power more than 17,000 homes, even with a relatively low adoption rate. That number is expected to grow over the next five years, as more Montanans turn to solar energy to power their homes.
There are plenty of reasons for Montanans to pursue solar panel installation, too. Once a homeowner’s solar panel installation is complete, they’re eligible to earn credit on their power bill for the energy they produce via Net Metering. Simply put, Net Metering allows homeowners to earn a credit for the excess power their solar system generates, which is part of what makes solar systems a good investment.
Here’s how it works:
Is Solar Energy Good for Montana Residents?
Solar energy is great for Montana residents, as it’s an affordable way to increase your home value while simultaneously helping you lower your energy costs. Homes with solar panels sell for 4.1% more on average than comparable homes without solar power, and the average home value in Montana is $440,339 as of April 2023. That means Montanans that install solar panels stand to gain thousands of dollars in home value once their system is live.
The size and complexity of solar systems vary depending on energy needs, roofing, and a variety of other factors. Solar power contractors perform a site assessment early in the process that will help narrow in on the size and cost the of solar system that you’ll want to install. You can also take an online survey to determine whether your home qualifies for certain solar power incentives, which make solar even more affordable. You can use Purelight Power’s roof qualification tool to help you determine whether your home qualifies.
Is Montana’s Weather Good for Solar?
The state’s harsh winters and cloudy days may not seem like a recipe for solar power production, but Montana’s weather is perfect for solar power. Solar panels are made for a variety of climates and perform best in colder temperatures. The Treasure State is one of the country’s coldest regions, which makes solar energy in Montana incredibly efficient. Plus, rain and melted snow can wash solar panels,helping them capture more energy from the sun.
Of course, Montana also sees a healthy number of sunny days throughout the year, so you won’t have to worry about energy production if you’ve got the correct size of system for your home.
Is Montana’s Solar Energy Policy Changing?
Like all states, Montana’s solar energy policy is subject to change. However, the relatively low adoption in the state makes solar energy in Montana unique, allowing the state to take monitor the successes and failures of other states making shifts to renewable energy sources.
This approach has helped to strengthen Montana’s solar energy policy, ensuring the state creates effective incentive programs for solar adopters. In other words, the slow and steady approach is helping Montanans win the solar race; they may not get there first, but Montana homeowners will likely have better results than solar adopters in other states when all is said and done.
However, Montana’s solar journey has not been without challenges. In 2019, NorthWestern Energy proposed ending net metering, which would be a huge blow to solar adopters in the state. The company didn’t get far, though, as the Montana Public Service Commission voted unanimously to continue net metering, preserving one of solar’s best incentives for thousands of Montanans. Similar challenges will likely re-appear in the future, so homeowners should pay close attention to solar news in their area.
Which Cities Are Best for Solar Energy in Montana?
Solar energy has potential throughout Montana, but a handful of cities have advantages that adopters won’t find elsewhere. Here are a few cities where residents stand to gain the most from solar adoption:
Bozeman
The average price of a home in Bozeman is higher than the rest of the state, clocking in at $647,146. Given the average property value increase of 4.1% derived from solar panel installation, Bozeman homeowners can expect a larger increase than Montana residents in other cities. Solar companies in Bozeman, Montana, can help you determine the ideal size of a system to fit your needs.
Helena
Helena has a good balance of high property value and sunny days, making it a great place to consider installing a solar system. That ultimately means that solar installers in Helena will have no trouble designing systems that generate a high return on investment.
Great Falls
Great Falls is one of the country’s hardest-working farming communities. As supply chain issues and high labor costs put stress on farmers’ wallets, the need for cost-saving tools is more important than ever. Enter solar panels, which are a cost-effective alternative to other forms of power for agricultural markets and need practically no maintenance. If you use a local solar installer in Great Falls, they’ll help you create a system that lowers your overhead.
How Many Solar Companies Are in Montana?
There are currently 30 solar companies in Montana according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, with about 340 jobs created by the industry. Those numbers are bound to grow as more Montanans turn to solar in the future, strengthening the state’s economy and creating new opportunities for residents.
What Is the Best Solar Company in Montana?
With dozens of options, Montanans have no shortage of potential solar installers to partner with for their home. However, not all solar installers in Montana are created equally. Financing options, incentive programs, and service scope will vary between each company, so finding the best solar installer in Montana means finding the company that is best suited to your specific needs.
At Purelight Power, we believe in putting individual needs at the forefront of our service. We use our expertise to design solutions that help you achieve energy independence on your terms, guiding you through the entire process from design to installation. Take our 30-second survey to see if Purelight Power is the right solution for your home, and you’ll be one step closer to owning your power.
