“Big Sky Country” Montana earned its moniker thanks to its wide-open spaces and diverse terrain. With low population density, plenty of space and parts of the state getting 200 days of sunshine a year, solar has the potential to play a strong role in Montana’s energy generation mix. Learn about the costs associated with making the switch to solar panels in Montana, and what the state is doing to help incentivize the change.
Montana’s Solar
Report Card
To determine a grade for each state, our researchers and solar experts analyzed data on crucial solar-advancement criteria from the following sources:
- Rebates, Tax Credits, and Tax Exemptions from Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency;
- Electricity Rates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration;
- Renewable Energy Policy from NC Clean Energy Technology Center;
- Interconnection Ease from Freeing The Grid;
- Photovoltaic Potential from the Energy Department
We determined a rank from 1 to 10 for each state in each category. We then combined the scores with the following weights and assigned an overall grade for each state. Our goal is to encourage those considering solar for their homes to get a basic understanding of solar potential in their areas and discover the best opportunities for clean energy available.
Incentives & Rebates, 40%
Electricity Rate, 15%
Renewable Energy Policy, 30%
Interconnection Ease, 5%
Photovoltaic Potential, 10%
Electricity Costs in Montana
The national average for the cost of electricity is about $0.13 per kWh, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Montana comes in below that figure at an average of $0.12 per kWh. About 50 percent of the state’s electricity generation comes from coal. This is no surprise as Montana boasts one-third of the nation’s demonstrated coal reserves, states the EIA. However, “Big Sky Country” does take advantage of its natural resources, especially its fast-running rivers, and is the fifth-largest producer of hydro-power nationwide. The EIA notes that Montana also has some of the best potentials for utility-scale wind and these types of projects are increasing.
Cost of Residential Electricity
Data from U.S. Energy Information Administration
*as of Q3 2015
Information and
Resources on Montana Solar
Solar Policies & Incentives
Montana has nearly 60 MWs of solar generating capacity, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. This amount of solar places Montana 43rd in the nation. While solar has not yet taken off in the state, Montana has adopted a renewable resource standard that requires retail electricity suppliers to get at least 15 percent of their electricity sales from renewable energy. Many of the rebates and incentives focus on renewable sources in general; however, there are some tax credits and tax exemptions that can make solar an attractive proposition for businesses and homeowners.
REBATES/INCENTIVES
Administered through the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, this program allows property owners to borrow up to $40,000 for the installation of energy efficient devices, including solar systems. The loan carries a 3.25 percent interest rate and must be repaid within 10 years.
NorthWestern Energy – USB Renewable Energy FundFunds from this program are intended for low-income energy assistance, weatherization, energy efficiency activities, and development of renewable energy resources. The E+ Renewable Energy Program gives custom incentives for projects that benefit organizations and communities for non-profit or government facilities.
None for residential specifically
None for commercial specifically
POLICIES
Since 1999, Montana law has mandated that utility companies credit customers that have alternative energy generating systems installed on their property. These credits are applied to customers’ monthly utility bills.
Solar and Wind EasementsUnder this law, those with solar and wind energy systems have the right to access to proper amount sunlight or wind for system operation.
Interconnection StandardsMontana’s interconnection rules, which went into effect in August 2010, allow PV system owners to connect to the utility grid. Systems must not be more than 10 MW.
Universal System Benefits ProgramThe Universal System Benefits Program, which was created in 1997, requires that utility companies charge its customers a fee that is used to fund renewable energy projects around the state.
Mandatory Utility Green Power OptionElectric utilities are required to offer customers the option to purchase electricity generated by resources that include, but are not limited to, wind, solar, geothermal and biomass.
None for residential specifically
None for commercial specifically
TAX CREDITS
None for residential/commercial specifically
Residential taxpayers can receive a tax credit for installing PV systems on their property. The maximum amount is $500 for an individual taxpayer and $1,000 for a household.
Tax credits of up to 35 percent against corporate tax are available to commercial or industrial property owners for alternative energy investments of $5,000 or more.
EXEMPTIONS
Montana allows property owners to receive a 100 percent exemption for 10 years after installing an energy generating system. Maximum amounts range from $20,000 to $100,000, depending on the size and type of the property.
None for residential specifically
None for commercial specifically
Companies Installing Solar in Montana
Locally owned, Northwestern Energy PV installer and provider of residential PV solutions based in Bozeman. Offers free site assessments and operates in Bozeman and surrounding areas.
Where it operatesBozeman
Specializes in design and installation of economic, self-sustaining solar and renewable energy systems. Team of professional in-house engineers, licensed electricians and certified PV installers serves Bozeman, Montana, Colorado and Massachusetts
Where it operatesBozeman
Year of opening1996
Sells, designs and installs solar PV and wind power systems, as well as solar water pumps and DC appliances for grid-connected and off-grid homes. Completed the largest grid-tied solar power system in Teton County in 2011.
Where it operatesStevensville
Year of opening1998
Locally owned and operated company that provides solar PV systems sales, design, installation, operations and maintenance, as well as training and education. More than 300 PV project installations completed. NABCEP certified.
Where it operatesBozeman
Year of opening1992
Sells, designs and installs residential grid-tied and off-grid solar and other renewable energy products and systems. NABCEP certified
Where it operatesHelena
Year of opening2005
Locally owned and operated provider of residential solar and small-scale wind power systems, NABCEP-certified and Northwestern Energy USB Qualified PV installer whose owner serves on the Board of the Montana Renewable Energy Association. Awarded governor’s award for ¨A Commitment fo Clean, Green Energy and Conservation.¨
Where it operatesRed Lodge
Year of opening1994
Montana Solar Resources
Explore Missoula Electric Coop’s website for solar news and information. MEC recently completed its first community solar installation, which affords solar energy access to customers who for one reason or another cannot have a residential PV system installed.
Find information from the state authority for solar, renewable energy and energy efficiency in Montana. The state energy department also operates an Alternative Energy Loan Program that helps home and property owners finance solar PV installations.
Track solar legislation, policies and programs for Montana.
A non-profit, 501c3 organization, MREA was founded in 2000 by businesses, families and individuals with a mind to conserve natural resources, create jobs and increase individual and community independence and self-sufficiency by working to increase renewable energy use. MREA’s website offers a wealth of valuable information, as well as links to solar and renewable energy stakeholders within and beyond state borders.
Find news and information on solar energy in Montana. Includes general scientific and technical information, and a list of state renewable energy businesses, as well as news and opinion to do with the solar politics, economics, finance and technology.
Explore this online database maintained by the North Carolina Clean Energy Center. DSIRE is probably the most comprehensive and widely used reference for solar energy policies and incentive programs across the 50 states, the District of Columbia and territories.
As the U.S.’ leading solar energy industry trade association, SEIA’s website serves as a continually updated source of news, information, research and statistics regarding solar energy in the U.S. Fact sheets provide highlights and summaries state by state.