The resources you need to make SOLAR EASY are right here! 

Our goal is to help you understand and navigate the process of going solar. Through these resources, learn about current opportunities, policies and the pathways to installing residential solar, from working through a bid from an installer to tax benefits and financing. Contact us with questions!

Solar-Ease Resources

NEW - Solar Videos! Interested in installing solar at your home or business but not sure how to get started? These short videos from MREA and Climate Smart  explain everything you need to know. Spoiler alert: it's really easy! 
Video #1: Simple Steps to Going Solar
Video #2: Solar Financing Options & Considerations
Partner Resources
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Many of the links and resources on this page were developed in connection with our Solar-Ease workshops in November 2017 and February 2018. 
​Our Solar-Ease partners include:
Solar Energy, Missoula-Style!  Solar Process Flowchart
Navigate the flow-chart below to go step-by-step through the process of understanding the local solar landscape, and then chart your own path! We explain a few of the details in the sidebar to the right.
Energy Smart: energy savings and renewables go hand in hand! Results from our community emissions inventory show residential energy accounts for a quarter of our emissions! We are challenging Missoulians to reduce home energy use 10% by 2018. Visit our Energy Smart page to learn more and take part. 
Creative Ways to Support Solar
Not everyone can get rooftop solar arrays but every one can benefit from solar energy. Help us support better policy, encourage and educate your friends and neighbors, and share your solar stories with us!
  • To make solar more accessible and we need to improve state law. We’re sharing information about net metering on the advocacy page of our website.
  • ​Support Community Solar!  Check out Missoula Electric Co-op to see what one community solar effort looks like. 
  • We won't lie, the outcome of the 2017 legislative session was not what we were hoping for (see our legislative summary here or see MEIC's review). Stay connected and lend your voice to help make policy change in the future. 

Solar Financing Basics

Tax Credits
Federal: As of now, federal tax credits for residential solar energy systems are available at 30% through Dec 31, 2019. The credit is set to decrease to 26% for 2020, to 22% for 2021 and then expires Dec 31, 2021. The credit for commercial systems will continue permanently at 10%. 
  • 30% for systems placed in service by 12/31/2019
  • 26% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2019 and before 01/01/2021
  • 22% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2020 and before 01/01/2022
  • There is no maximum credit for systems placed in service after 2008.
  • Systems must be placed in service on or after January 1, 2006, and on or before December 31, 2021.
  • The home served by the system does not have to be the taxpayer’s principal residence.
The tax credit can be spread across multiple years if it exceeds your annual tax liability.  It is important to note that this credit could end or change. ​Stay tuned - we’ll keep you posted. 
State: Residential taxpayers in Montana who install alternative energy (non-fossil fueled) systems are eligible for tax credit up to $500 per individual or $1,000 per household if married taxpayers file jointly.

A Couple of Loan Options

Montana Department of Environmental Quality  (DEQ) offers an Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program funded by air quality penalties collected by the DEQ. Energy conservation measures installed in conjunction with an alternative energy project can also be funded through the program. Interest rates for 2018 are fixed at 3.50%.

Missoula Federal Credit Union offers Unsecured Solar Loans and Solar Home Equity Loans. Call or visit their website for more information.