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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! The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 returned the tax credits for residential solar to the 30% rate, through 2032 - so now is a great time to consider going solar! New AMAZING resource: Homeowners Guide - Federal Tax Credit for Solar (2023). Residential Solar Basics 2-Pager (PDF - right click and save below)
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Our Solar-Ease partners include:
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Partner Resources
Montana Renewable Energy Associationdirectory of local solar installers and services
Clearwater Credit Union Home Energy Loans page - including loan options and financial analysis spreadsheet
Clearwater Credit Union Solar Bid Evaluation Worksheet
Montana Department of Environmental Quality Alternative Energy Loan program
City of Missoula info on Going Solar + Permitting Checklist
Missoula County Solar Information Website and Missoula County Solar Permitting Checklist
Clearwater Credit Union Home Energy Loans page - including loan options and financial analysis spreadsheet
Clearwater Credit Union Solar Bid Evaluation Worksheet
Montana Department of Environmental Quality Alternative Energy Loan program
City of Missoula info on Going Solar + Permitting Checklist
Missoula County Solar Information Website and Missoula County Solar Permitting Checklist
Solar Financing Basics
Tax Credits - NEW federal rates with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act - Effective January 2023 through 2032!
Federal: As of today, federal tax credits for residential and commercial solar energy systems are available at 30% through 2032. The credit has reverted to this rate with the passage of the climate legislation. You read that right = 10 years!
And here's a good website that is tracking federal tax credits.
State: Unfortunately, the residential solar tax credit expired at the end of 2021.
Federal: As of today, federal tax credits for residential and commercial solar energy systems are available at 30% through 2032. The credit has reverted to this rate with the passage of the climate legislation. You read that right = 10 years!
- 30% tax credit for all systems placed in service (this effectively reduces the cost of your new system by 30%).
- There is no maximum credit for systems placed in service after 2008.
- The home served by the system does not have to be the taxpayer’s principal residence.
And here's a good website that is tracking federal tax credits.
State: Unfortunately, the residential solar tax credit expired at the end of 2021.
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 2023 are fixed at 3.5% (4.023%APR).
Clearwater Credit Union offers Solar Loans. Call or visit their website for more information.
Montana Commercial Property Assessed Capital Enhancement - C-PACE - is a relatively new (2022) program offered by the State of Montana for commercial buildings. Solar systems are eligible and details can be found at the LastBestPace.com. MTPACE can cover up to 100% of eligible project costs, and payments are repaid through a special property tax assessment with terms up to 20 years. As a result, projects become cash positive from day one. Projects greater than $75,000 may be eligible. If the aggregate project is less than $75,000, C-PACE may not be the best option. MT C-PACE is a fit for most industries including commercial office buildings and nonprofit organizations (including places of worship), and multi-tenant buildings.
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 2023 are fixed at 3.5% (4.023%APR).
Clearwater Credit Union offers Solar Loans. Call or visit their website for more information.
Montana Commercial Property Assessed Capital Enhancement - C-PACE - is a relatively new (2022) program offered by the State of Montana for commercial buildings. Solar systems are eligible and details can be found at the LastBestPace.com. MTPACE can cover up to 100% of eligible project costs, and payments are repaid through a special property tax assessment with terms up to 20 years. As a result, projects become cash positive from day one. Projects greater than $75,000 may be eligible. If the aggregate project is less than $75,000, C-PACE may not be the best option. MT C-PACE is a fit for most industries including commercial office buildings and nonprofit organizations (including places of worship), and multi-tenant buildings.
More solar tidbits and ideas...
Electrification: Do you still have gas appliances in your home? Consider electrifying hand in hand with going solar. Lots more resources and info at ElectrifyMissoula.org!
Energy Smart: Energy savings and renewables go hand in hand! Residential energy accounts for nearly a quarter of our community's carbon emissions. Visit our Energy Smart page to learn ways you can reduce energy use at home.
Energy Smart: Energy savings and renewables go hand in hand! Residential energy accounts for nearly a quarter of our community's carbon emissions. Visit our Energy Smart page to learn ways you can reduce energy use at home.
Creative Ways to Support Solar
Not everyone can get rooftop solar arrays but everyone can benefit from solar energy. Help us support better policy, encourage and educate your friends and neighbors, and share your solar stories with us!
Not everyone can get rooftop solar arrays but everyone can benefit from solar energy. Help us support better policy, encourage and educate your friends and neighbors, and share your solar stories with us!
- Take time to educate yourself about the process of going solar, (watch our great video below!) so you can be solar ready when the opportunity is right!
- Support community solar! Check out Missoula Electric Co-op to see what one community solar effort looks like.
- Stay connected and lend your voice to help make policy change in the future.
More Solar-Ease Resources
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Solar How-To 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 #2: Solar Financing Options & Considerations
*Please note some loan and tax credit options referenced in the video may have changed. More updated information is at the top of the page. |
More helpful resources:
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