Complete Guide to Solar Energy in Montana
Your complete resource for solar energy. Everything you need to know about solar laws, solar costs, solar financing, and solar installation in Montana.
Why Solar Makes Sense in Montana
Reliable Solar Production
Montana has solid solar potential for homeowners, farms, and small businesses. A common planning estimate used in Montana solar guidance is about 1,300 kWh of annual production for every 1 kW installed, which can make solar a practical long-term option when system size is matched to actual usage.
Net Metering is Available
Montana allows eligible private-generation systems to participate in net metering. For many customers, that means solar can offset on-site electricity use and reduce how much power must be purchased from the utility.
Low-Interest State Financing is Available
One of Montana’s most important current solar advantages is access to state-backed financing. The Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program continues to offer low-interest funding for qualifying renewable energy projects, including solar.
Solar Economics Depend on Real Usage
Because Montana no longer offers its former state tax credits for energy upgrades, project value in 2026 depends more on system sizing, financing terms, annual usage, and utility billing treatment than on expired incentive claims.
Quick Solar Facts
Explore Solar Topics
Laws & Regulations
Montana net metering rules, utility participation requirements, annual credit treatment, and tax-related considerations for solar property.
Residential Solar
A practical guide for Montana homeowners covering roof suitability, shading, usage history, system sizing, inverter choices, and battery storage planning.
Costs & Savings
Electricity pricing, self-consumption value, solar production assumptions, and how to evaluate long-term savings in Montana’s market.
Financing Options
State-backed low-interest loans, cash purchase, lender financing, and how to compare monthly payments against expected solar savings.
Installation Guide
How to choose an installer, review site conditions, prepare for interconnection, and move from application to final approval.
Solar 101
How grid-tied solar works, what a net meter does, when energy is used on-site, and how excess generation is treated.
Community Solar
Special planning considerations for ranches, workshops, outbuildings, and other rural Montana properties with daytime loads and available installation space.
Solar Calculator
Estimate your solar savings and system requirements.
Quick Solar Savings Calculator
Important 2026 Updates
Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program Remains Available
In 2026, Montana’s Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program remains one of the most important financing options for qualifying solar projects. The program offers loans up to $40,000, terms up to 10 years, and a 3.5% fixed interest rate for eligible applicants and projects.
Montana No Longer Offers Its Former State Tax Credits for Energy Upgrades
Montana no longer offers its former state tax credits for energy upgrades, so homeowners in 2026 should evaluate solar based on project pricing, financing, net metering rules, and expected production rather than expired state tax incentives.
Montana Solar Laws & Regulations
Net Metering Size Limit
In Montana, eligible private-generation systems up to 50 kW can qualify for net metering under participating utility programs. This makes the policy relevant for homes, farms, and many small commercial properties.
Annual Credit Settle-Up
Under Montana utility net metering programs, excess generation can accumulate as bill credits during the year, but unused balances are subject to an annual settle-up. Because of that, system sizing should be based on realistic on-site consumption rather than maximum possible production.
Property Tax Exemptions
Montana provides property tax exemption pathways and special tax treatment for certain types of energy property, so the tax treatment of a solar project should be reviewed before installation.