Montana goes solar with SunPower®
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The state of solar in Montana
Montana has about 189 sunny days per year.*BestPlaces: Climate in Montana: https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/state/montana (July 2021) Some cities, like Billings, get as many as 201 days of sunshine each year.*Current Results: Days of Sunshine Per Year in Montana: https://www.currentresults.com/Weather/Montana/annual-days-of-sunshine.php (July 2021) The state's plentiful sunlight has attracted 26 solar companies and generated 288 solar power jobs. For now, just 0.29% of Montana's power comes from solar,*SEIA: Montana Solar: https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/montana-solar (July 2021) but more homes and businesses are switching to solar because it is cheaper than grid power.
How much solar energy does Montana produce?
The Treasure State has over 2,000 solar installations that generate 118.4 MW, enough to power over 16,000 homes. According to Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) projections, Montana's solar output should reach 596 MW over the next five years.*SEIA: Montana Solar: https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/montana-solar (July 2021)
What are the advantages of going solar in Montana?
Montana's solar energy availability is 26% higher than the national average, making the state a prime location for home solar panels. Over the past five years, the cost of solar power in the state has dropped by 43%, making now a great time to invest in solar panels. The clean energy from installing a solar system will reduce your carbon footprint, so you will be contributing to the fight against climate change with solar power.
Besides powering your home with clean energy, adding solar panels to your home can increase your property value by up to $13,000. Since Montana is a grid parity state, powering your home or business with solar is cheaper than relying on the grid. The money you save on energy will pay for the solar system in as little as 13 years.*Solar Nation: https://www.solar-nation.org/montana (July 2021)
How much does solar cost in Montana?
The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same state, due to a range of factors. These include:
Quality of the solar system
Permit and labor costs
Roof size and angle
Weather
Electricity requirements
To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.*Local Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020 In Montana, we found that the average cost of a 5 kW solar system ranges from $12,700 to $15,650, or in other words from $2.54 to $3.13 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.
Taking advantage of federal and state solar incentives will significantly reduce the cost of going solar. Available incentives in Montana include:
Federal solar investment tax credit: This U.S. tax credit drops the cost of installing solar panels by 30%.*Tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.
Net metering: If your solar system generates excess or unused electricity, you can sell it back to the grid for a credit on future electric bills. *The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.
Montana state tax credit: You may qualify for a state tax credit worth up to 100% of a price of a solar system installed during the tax year in Montana.
Property tax exemption: Installing a solar system increases property value, but Montana state law ensures that you won't have to pay taxes on the added value.
What's the best way to go solar in Montana?
When you’re ready to go solar, eliminate guesswork and unnecessary expenses by working with a licensed solar contractor that has experience helping homeowners and business owners get the perfect solar solutions for their needs.
Be sure to arrange for a consultation and get a custom design that tailors a solar solution to meet your specific budget, property, and energy needs. If you install high-quality solar systems from reputable brands, they should stand the test of time.
Look into getting a solar system that will boost your property's value and complement its aesthetics. In addition, a reputable solar provider should help you access every available solar incentive and rebate to help you reduce installation costs.
Get started now by requesting a free consultation with SunPower below. We'll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.
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