The 6 Best Solar Companies in Montana To Save You Money

Key Points

• OnSite Energy offers long warranties and high-efficiency panel brand names from top solar equipment manufacturers like REC and Tesla.
• Big Sky Solar provides a comprehensive 25-year workmanship warranty and carries highly rated solar brands such as Panasonic, Tesla, and LG.
• Harvest Solar MT is known for exceptional customer service and carries top solar brand names like Canadian Solar and SolarWorld.
• SBS Solar offers a 25-year machinery and panel manufacturing warranty and provides ground-mounted, pole-mounted, and rooftop solar systems.
• Montana residents can save money on solar installations through federal tax incentives, state incentives, and property tax exemptions.

Did you know that living off the grid in Montana is not only completely legal but also simple? But if you plan on utilizing solar, you ought to know the best installers. Here are the best solar companies in Montana that can save you money while you live your wilderness dreams.

OnSite Energy

OnSite is a locally-owned and operated solar company that provides solar system design and turn-key installation services. Since 2012, they have been helping locals switch to clean, renewable energy. The company offers extended warranties and high-efficiency panel brand names from top solar equipment manufacturers, like REC and Tesla.

OnSite Energy is a company that offers long warranties and high-efficiency panel brand names. They offer some of the top manufacturers of solar equipment, like REC and Tesla.

Additionally, OnSite offers solar warranties that cushes you against system losses brought on by shoddy installation. It offers coverage for craftsmanship, equipment, and panel performance for 12 to 25 years. The craftsmanship warranty is beneficial in Montana, where improper installation might result in roof leaks.

This business donates charitably to regional conservation projects and organizations and is a registered B Corp. As a result, it benefits the neighborhood and the nearby solar sector. This is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking an eco-friendly business to work with!

Big Sky Solar

Big Sky Solar is one of the only solar installers on our list that provide a comprehensive 25-year workmanship warranty. However, Big Sky Solar carries only a few solar brands — Panasonic, Tesla, and LG. But these companies are highly rated and are high on efficiency.

Based in Missoula, Montana, Big Sky Solar is a smaller neighborhood solar installation company. It has extensive operational experience and knows the requirements for local homeowners, like how to put up panels to get all the sun they can.

Big Sky Solar doesn’t warranty panel efficiency, so it’s best to choose a solar panel brand with efficiency protection, like Panasonic.

Harvest Solar MT

For homeowners in Montana seeking exceptional customer service, Harvest Solar MT is one of the best choices. This Bozeman-based installer uses a consultative sales approach and maintains ongoing communication throughout the installation. The company has been around for years and has NABCEP-certified technicians.

Canadian Solar and SolarWorld are two of the top solar brand names that Harvest Solar carries, and both of these brands come with excellent product warranties. Harvest Solar only offers the original manufacturer’s guarantee for its solar products.

SBS Solar

Based in Missoula, SBS Solar is a smaller regional installation company. Whether in the market for a new grid-tie system, battery backup, or off-grid application, the company can design and install the perfect solar system for your Montana home. The company has NABCEP-certified technicians.

SBS provides a limited number of top-tier panel brands, such as Canadian Solar and Yingli, and a 25-year machinery and panel manufacturing warranty. While they offer no warranty on the workmanship, the production guarantee is still quite useful.

The business provides ground-mounted, pole-mounted, and rooftop solar systems. Additionally, they offer a free solar estimate, or you can request one by sending a copy of your power bill. The company doesn’t offer leases or PPAs, but you can pay for your system in cash or with a solar loan.

To get a glimpse of what they do, visit the photo and video archive on their website to see samples of their work.

Satic Solar

Satic Solar offers both off-grid and on-grid solar system installations. The company handles everything in-house, from designing to installing, inspecting, net metering, and monitoring residential and commercial solar systems. They also offer multiple ways to pay for your installation, including a solar loan and PPA.

The company is NABCEP certified, and many of its technicians are certified electricians in Montana. While the company doesn’t list the products they use, it’s safe to say they use quite a few different brands.

While Satic Solar has only been in business for 15 years, they’re BBB accredited and have many raving reviews about their pricing and process.

Solar Plexus

Solar Plexus is a family-run solar company established in 1994 by Lee Tavenner and Mary Hamilton. Based in Missoula, Solar Plexus provides solar consultations and installations to locals and those in surrounding areas. The company’s technicians are certified by the NABCEP, the national organization that grants accreditations and certifications to renewable energy providers. If you live around Missoula or in the city, you can call them and get a free solar quote.

How to Save Money When Hiring a Solar Company in Montana

Other than hiring the cheapest solar company, here are different ways to save money on your solar installation in Montana.

Federal Tax Incentive

First, you can take advantage of the federal tax incentive, which is in place until 2034 (unless the incentive is renewed). This can save you up to 30% off of your solar system.

State Incentives

Montana residents have quite some incentives and rebates for switching to solar systems. Check out some of the state’s incentives to save you hundreds of dollars!

What to Consider Before Hiring a Company

Before you choose to work with one of the best solar companies in Montana we’ve listed, there are a few things to remember.

Credentials

First, your company should be skilled at setting up solar energy systems. A NABCEP certification and at least two years of practical expertise in solar or a related industry are best.

Companies that install solar panels should be fully licensed and insured or at least have a C-10 license, a general electrical contractor’s license. Additionally, installers should be OSHA-certified and carry general liability insurance.

Turnaround Time

While installing solar isn’t quick, it should be fairly painless on your end. From start to finish (first quote to final paperwork and approval), it shouldn’t take months to get your solar system installed. Professional can take a few weeks, six at most. Feel free to ask how long a company typically takes.

Warranties

When choosing a solar company in Montana, you want o work with an installer with a workmanship warranty. This will cover any issue that could arise from poor installation. These guarantees can range in length from 5 to 25 years.

Be wary of new and unproven businesses that claim to offer you extended warranties. To complete a sale, they can provide a 10 or 25-year warranty. However, there is no assurance they will be around long enough to carry it out.

Reputation

The easiest approach to evaluate a solar company’s reputation is through interacting with past clients or viewing examples of their prior work. The BBB, Google, Solar Reviews, and EnergySage can give you a peek at your solar installer’s reputation.

It’s also critical to look online at reliable solar review sites. Reviews and ratings paint a picture of any potential solar installers.

Cost

While it is possible to choose a solar company that’s affordable and offers stellar work, cheaper isn’t always better. So, before jumping at the cheapest option, make sure you know what you’re getting into and their costs. Contact a few solar companies and see which one understands your needs. Before you sign any contracts, be sure to investigate the company.

Are Solar Panels Worth it in Montana?

So, are solar panels worth it in Montana? We would say yes! This is because there are many incentives that you can take advantage of in the state. Let’s talk about them.

The Federal Solar Tax Credit

When you file your next tax return, it will reflect the federal tax credit for 30% of the cost of your solar system. Solar systems installed between 2022 and 2032 will get a 30% rebate. In 2033 and 2034, the credit drops to 26% and 22%, respectively.

Net Metering

Luckily for residents, Montana has net metering regulations. This will allow you to offset the cost of power you use. Simply put, the energy you buy from your electric utility decreases when you create electricity for your home with your solar system. Then, the extra energy your system generates is sold back to the grid if it produces more energy than you use. Your monthly cost is then reduced.

Property Tax Exemption

Installing a residential solar system means your property taxes will be waived up to $20,000 over ten years.

State Incentive

100% of the cost of purchasing and installing a solar system in Montana is eligible for state solar tax credits, up to a maximum of $500. You subtract the sum from your tax payment as a credit instead of deducting it from your taxable income. You are eligible to claim the credit for your residential home and a second home/vacation home.

The Best Solar Companies in Montana To Save You Money Wrap Up

Montana is one of the best states to have solar for two reasons. They have some great incentives and adequate sunshine to power your solar systems. And these best solar companies in Montana can set you up and ready to save money quickly!

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