In 2021, Montana ranked in the top 10 for states with the largest share of electricity from renewable sources. Montana also receives an average of 4.93 peak sun hours — the daily recommendation for solar panels is 4 hours of direct sunlight, making Montana a great location to install them.
Installing solar panels means you’ll be less dependent on the traditional energy grid, which is especially helpful during power outages and can lead to lower energy bills. Significant decreases in solar prices and increases in solar incentives make now the perfect time to consider solar panels for your home.
You’ll be able to take advantage of a number of federal- and state-level incentives to lower the cost of your solar panel system. A major federal tax credit provides a 30% rebate on the cost of your solar panels during tax season. Additionally, in the Treasure State, you’re exempt from property tax increases spurred by the value of your solar panels for up to 10 years. Net metering policies will also allow you to send excess energy produced by your solar panels to the grid, gaining credits that can be used up off of peak production hours.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering solar panels in Montana — starting with the best solar panel installation companies operating within the state. (Just looking for an emergency backup? Check out the best portable solar panels and solar generators.)
Best national solar panel companies in Montana
Freedom Forever
Best for cash customers
Include Freedom Forever in your search if you want the backing of a national company that installs a wide variety of the most popular solar equipment available. Freedom Forever also extends a couple of products that take some of the pain and risk out of going solar, like a production guarantee and an escrow option with cash purchases. Online reviews say customer satisfaction has been low of late, though the company says that’s changing.
Locally owned and operated in Missoula, Big Sky Solar’s certified installers and electricians will analyze your home, compare current energy consumption and solar potential then provide a proposal. What stands out the most about Big Sky is its accessible and transparent pricing. Unlike other solar companies we’ve come across, Big Sky lists its pricing on its website without having to make a call or fill out forms. Big Sky also installs popular name-brand solar batteries from Tesla, Panasonic and Enphase. A 25-year warranty backs the company’s products and work.
Located in Bozeman, OnSite Energy installs solar systems across the state, including projects for residents, businesses, farms and more. The company says it advocates for more solar energy systems in the state and 1% of the cost for each solar system is donated to a partnered conservation organization of the customer’s choice. OnSite Energy installs a variety of well-known brands to fit your needs, including REC Alpha panels and the Tesla Powerwall solar battery.
Since 2014, SBS Solar has provided solar services throughout western Montana. The company installs a variety of solar panel mounting options, including rooftop, pole and ground-mounted solar. SBS Solar says it will provide a free solar estimate and site analysis or you can send in a copy of your utility bill for an estimate. The company’s website offers an extensive photo and video library to see past examples of their work.
The companies we listed above as “the best” are curated from CNET’s best solar companies list. Companies making the best list are scored on the equipment, warranties and customer service they offer. Then, we make sure these recommendations are available in your state. You can read a full breakdown of how we review solar companies here.
Companies listed under the local installers were chosen in a less rigorous way. We chose them because they offered something unique or notable to customers in the state, they seemed well-regarded by internet reviewers or because they were one of the few installers we could find information on in the state.
Whether we’ve completed a full review on a company or not, it’s always a good idea to get multiple quotes from different installers before choosing a company.
