Solar energy is a key piece of solving the climate puzzle, globally and right here in our community, where it's a key part of reaching Missoula's 100% clean electricity goal. Climate Smart Missoula works to help households, businesses and nonprofits in our community go solar, with the best information and resources to make the process straightforward. The solar revolution is here!
Below, explore the information you need to consider going solar, be a solar advocate, and learn about our work to expand solar in our community. Use the buttons to jump to a section.
Below, explore the information you need to consider going solar, be a solar advocate, and learn about our work to expand solar in our community. Use the buttons to jump to a section.
|
July 2025 update: The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act returned the Federal Tax Credits for residential solar to 30% through 2032. However, the GOP budget bill signed into law on July 4 eliminates most tax credits for solar, energy efficiency, and EVs. We share the latest on solar this updated recording of our July 1 Solar Info Session.
|
|
Going Solar 101
|
It's now easier and cheaper to put solar on your home or business than ever before! Here are 5 simple steps to bring the clean-energy revolution to your rooftop.
1. Contact local solar installers - make sure to get at least two bids. Best practice is to ask a company how long they've been working in Montana. The folks we've worked with would never pressure you to jump in immediately! As much as this is a great time to go solar, take the time to compare bids and figure out what is best for you, your home or business, and your finances. |
|
While all the local folks we've worked with have great reputations, with solar taking off, there are less-reliable companies entering the marketplace. A couple cautionary resources:
2. Get Free Estimates
Solar companies will ask for a copy of your utility bill to properly size your system. If you're planning to add any big electric appliances in the coming year like an electric vehicle, heat pump, etc., make sure to let them know so they can factor in that extra demand. (Solar + electrification go hand in hand - learn more via Electrify Missoula!) Your installer will typically size your system to meet your needs over 12 months, since local net-metering agreements don't allow you to bank extra energy credits for more than one year.
3. Understand Costs & Financing Options
Federal tax credit: Your solar installer should give you information about the federal 30% tax credit and how much you can expect to get back. (This tax credit will be paid directly to you; if an installer is asking for you to pay that tax credit to them, be wary and ask follow up questions.) At this time, the 30% residential credit only applies to owner-occupied homes, not rentals. However, tax-exempt entities like nonprofits, local government buildings, and churches that were previously ineligible for the credit can now also benefit from this 30% credit through the IRA's "direct pay" provision.
Loans: Montana DEQ has a low-interest loan program for solar; it's popular so check their website for application deadlines. Energy conservation measures installed in conjunction with an alternative energy project can also be funded through the program. Clearwater Credit Union also has loans for solar and energy efficiency.
Considering leasing? Leasing can be a good option if you'd rather not take out a loan or pay upfront - but be sure to do your research! Solar leases offer a pay-as-you-go model, but this model is not eligible for the 30% tax credit. And be sure to check the terms carefully to understand what will happen if you miss a payment or sell your home. For more on leasing, SolarReviews.com has a helpful overview.
4. Sign a Contract
Pick the best company for your project and go! They'll facilitate all permitting and net-metering paperwork.
5. Go Solar & Celebrate!
We recommend hosting a celebration party after your meter is turned on! Invite all your neighbors and friends and inspire them to go solar, too! And we'd love to hear about your experience - good, bad, or otherwise. Send us a solar note: [email protected]
- How to protect yourself from solar scams
- Rooftop solar has a fraud problem. The industry is working to build back trust
2. Get Free Estimates
Solar companies will ask for a copy of your utility bill to properly size your system. If you're planning to add any big electric appliances in the coming year like an electric vehicle, heat pump, etc., make sure to let them know so they can factor in that extra demand. (Solar + electrification go hand in hand - learn more via Electrify Missoula!) Your installer will typically size your system to meet your needs over 12 months, since local net-metering agreements don't allow you to bank extra energy credits for more than one year.
3. Understand Costs & Financing Options
Federal tax credit: Your solar installer should give you information about the federal 30% tax credit and how much you can expect to get back. (This tax credit will be paid directly to you; if an installer is asking for you to pay that tax credit to them, be wary and ask follow up questions.) At this time, the 30% residential credit only applies to owner-occupied homes, not rentals. However, tax-exempt entities like nonprofits, local government buildings, and churches that were previously ineligible for the credit can now also benefit from this 30% credit through the IRA's "direct pay" provision.
Loans: Montana DEQ has a low-interest loan program for solar; it's popular so check their website for application deadlines. Energy conservation measures installed in conjunction with an alternative energy project can also be funded through the program. Clearwater Credit Union also has loans for solar and energy efficiency.
Considering leasing? Leasing can be a good option if you'd rather not take out a loan or pay upfront - but be sure to do your research! Solar leases offer a pay-as-you-go model, but this model is not eligible for the 30% tax credit. And be sure to check the terms carefully to understand what will happen if you miss a payment or sell your home. For more on leasing, SolarReviews.com has a helpful overview.
4. Sign a Contract
Pick the best company for your project and go! They'll facilitate all permitting and net-metering paperwork.
5. Go Solar & Celebrate!
We recommend hosting a celebration party after your meter is turned on! Invite all your neighbors and friends and inspire them to go solar, too! And we'd love to hear about your experience - good, bad, or otherwise. Send us a solar note: [email protected]
More resources to go solar
|
Partner Resources
Montana Renewable Energy Association Clearwater Credit Union
|
|
Vertical Divider
|
Download our Solar Basics 2-pager for a shareable resource on going solar.
|
Solar Policy in Montana
Expanding solar energy everywhere we can is critical to meeting our community's commitment to 100% clean electricity by 2030, and accelerating the transition to clean electricity is one of the biggest ways we can respond to the climate emergency. But to get there, we need changes in state policy.
|
Net Metering
Net Metering (sometimes called NEM) is the billing mechanism that allows solar customers to bank credits for energy generated beyond what's used on-site, and use those credits over a 12 month cycle. It's what makes solar economically viable in Montana, where our long, sunny summer days more than make up for our dark, gray winters. We are lucky to have net metering here in Montana (not all states do!) but there are lots of ways current policy could be improved, such as increasing the cap on net-metered systems (currently at 50 kW) and expanding virtual net metering (a.k.a. community solar) through investor-owned utilities. The best source for all things net-metering and solar policy is the Montana Renewable Energy Association. |
The process of net metering
|
PACE - Property Assessed Capital Enhancements
In 2021, the Montana Legislature enabled PACE, and Missoula County has now adopted the program! This is a great new financing option for commercial and nonprofit entities, for larger projects (typically $75k +) including solar, electrification and energy efficiency. Head here for more information: lastbestpace.com
In 2021, the Montana Legislature enabled PACE, and Missoula County has now adopted the program! This is a great new financing option for commercial and nonprofit entities, for larger projects (typically $75k +) including solar, electrification and energy efficiency. Head here for more information: lastbestpace.com
Community Solar (aka Shared Solar)
Currently, community solar (also called shared solar) is not allowed for Montana's investor owned utilities (e.g., NorthWestern Energy). Electric co-ops are subject to different regulations. MREA and others are working to enable shared solar so more Montanans can benefit - SB 188 passed by the Montana Legislature in 2025 would change that!
Climate Smart Missoula provided leadership to NorthWestern Energy's pilot community solar project, helping install demonstration solar projects at several area high schools. Missoula Electric Co-op and Ravalli Electric Co-op have also developed successful community solar projects, such as the array on top of KettleHouse Brewing Co in Bonner.
It's time to bring shared solar to more of our state! In the meantime, check out this cool map of community solar projects around the country.
Currently, community solar (also called shared solar) is not allowed for Montana's investor owned utilities (e.g., NorthWestern Energy). Electric co-ops are subject to different regulations. MREA and others are working to enable shared solar so more Montanans can benefit - SB 188 passed by the Montana Legislature in 2025 would change that!
Climate Smart Missoula provided leadership to NorthWestern Energy's pilot community solar project, helping install demonstration solar projects at several area high schools. Missoula Electric Co-op and Ravalli Electric Co-op have also developed successful community solar projects, such as the array on top of KettleHouse Brewing Co in Bonner.
It's time to bring shared solar to more of our state! In the meantime, check out this cool map of community solar projects around the country.
The Public Service Commission and solar policy
The PSC is an elected body of 5 commissioners from districts across the state, charged with, among other things, oversight of Montana's state-sanctioned monopoly energy utilities (in Missoula, NorthWestern Energy).
The PSC has historically had a low profile - but that has changed, as Montanans are learning more about the important role it plays in our state's energy future. Want to learn more about the PSC and how you can help ensure they are working to protect the public interest? Our friends at MREA have put together a helpful guide all about the PSC: The Unknown Energy Battleground.
The PSC doesn't have the greatest track record when it comes to supporting solar, to say the least.
The PSC is an elected body of 5 commissioners from districts across the state, charged with, among other things, oversight of Montana's state-sanctioned monopoly energy utilities (in Missoula, NorthWestern Energy).
The PSC has historically had a low profile - but that has changed, as Montanans are learning more about the important role it plays in our state's energy future. Want to learn more about the PSC and how you can help ensure they are working to protect the public interest? Our friends at MREA have put together a helpful guide all about the PSC: The Unknown Energy Battleground.
The PSC doesn't have the greatest track record when it comes to supporting solar, to say the least.
The PSC in the news:
- MEIC Blog: Montana commission tells solar developers to get lost
- Billings Gazette: Hot mic records troubling conversation about solar regulations
- Independent Record Opinion: Montana Public Service Commission creates barriers to solar energy
Feeling frustrated? Make your voice heard. Contact our PSC commissioner Jennifer Fielder and share your views about solar + clean energy: 406-444-6167
You can also write letters to the editor! Head over to the Missoulian and get started.
You can also write letters to the editor! Head over to the Missoulian and get started.
Solar in Missoula: Where we've been
|
Solar Education and Outreach
Climate Smart Missoula has offered many webinars, presentations and educational events aimed at helping Missoulians go solar. Peruse our YouTube channel for previous recordings, and stay tuned via our calendar or e-newsletter for upcoming opportunities!
|
|
|
Solarize Missoula
Back in 2015-16 Climate Smart Missoula worked with partners on this community campaign to dramatically increase solar installations in Missoula by making solar simple. We worked with 4 local installers, determined a pricing structure, held two workshops with over 300 people interested, assigned over 150 interested parties to installers, and together they installed ~ 45 new systems on roofs around Missoula! This great Missoulian article helped us get started. Solarize was a resounding success. Due to complications beyond our control, we weren't able to do a Round 2 - but we've continued efforts to make solar easy for Missoulians! |
|
|
The 4 installers for Solarize Missoula were:
|
Three Solarize Missoula residential profiles, thanks to MREA:
|
SEIN - The Solar Energy Innovation Network
|
Climate Smart Missoula was part of the core Montana Team that received a competitive grant to be part of SEIN, a project of the Dept. of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Labs (NREL). Our project was the "Montana Solar Powered Transportation Initiative" which is best explained in our Press Release.
|
SEIN Team at the NREL headquarters
|
Solar Fun Facts and Ideas
|
Some HOT facts about the solar potential for Missoula's entire community, courtesy of Project Sunroof:
|
|
For the super creative....SOLAR COOKING! Here's Amy with her GoSun solar grill and oven, demonstrating that the January sun can brew coffee - even if it's 6F outside! She also baked bread! |
A solar phone charger!
|
Solar comes in all sizes and utilities - like this lightweight, packable solar lantern -- great for backpacking :)
|
Share your story with us! Take pictures and videos and tell us about your experience with solar energy in Missoula. Or tell us how you save energy in your home. And of course, ask us questions! Contact us at Climate Smart Missoula at [email protected]!
