Solar Panels Cost $7.2k-$16k in Billings, MT | August, 2024
High Power Bills?
Reduce or replace your electricity bill with solar
No data available
How much do solar panels cost in Billings, MT in 2024?
No data available
For solar panel installations in Billings, MT, the cost per watt in August, 2024 is around $3.46/W.
In accordance with this price, we are able to come to the conclusion that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) your solar panels can produce, you will have to spend, on average, $3,460 for installation. In Billings, you will pay about $12,110 for a 5 kW solar installation after subtracting the 30% federal income tax credit. Keep in mind that a higher capacity system could be essential to fully meet your energy demands.
To the left, you can choose your county to find the typical roof size and average maximum capacity for solar panels on homes in your area. You can also see an analysis of the costs, payback period and 20 year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county below.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Billings: $12,110US Average: $12,634
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Billings: 9 yearsUS Average: 8 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Billings: $9,191US Average: $15,248
Solar Potential in Billings
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Billings.
Roof size 769sq. ft.
Capacity 10.75kW DC
Electricity 13.3kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Billings, MT & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Energy consumers in Billings typically pay $110.38 per month for electricity, with a typical monthly usage of808 kWh. These statistics include apartments and other smaller residences with less energy consumption.
Billings, MT's electricity rate averages 13.66¢ per kWh in August 2024.
In Billings, the average electricity user requires a solar power setup of 7 kW or higher to meet their full power needs. Presently, a 7 kW solar installation will be priced at around $24,220 before incentives, but the 30% federal tax credit will return 30%, reducing the price to $16,954.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Billings
To the left below, you can see the price breakdown for multiple sizes of the solar panel systems installed in Billings. With larger solar systems, the price rises, but so do the electricity savings and the income tax credits you can receive.
Check the solar panel cost calculator below and to the right to see the cost and benefit details derived from an average $110.38 electric bill in Billings. If you want personalized results, modify the $110.38 to your typical electricity bill amount.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $589 a year
Est. Price
$7,266
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,209 kWh
Est. monthly savings $49
Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.98 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 137 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,373 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $786 a year
Est. Price
$9,688
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,612 kWh
Est. monthly savings $65
Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.97 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 182 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,830 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $982 a year
Est. Price
$12,110
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,015 kWh
Est. monthly savings $82
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.96 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 228 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 12,288 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,178 a year
Est. Price
$14,532
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,418 kWh
Est. monthly savings $98
Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.96 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 274 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 14,746 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,375 a year
Est. Price
$16,954
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 9,821 kWh
Est. monthly savings $110
Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 6.67 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 306 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 16,516 mi less a year
Billings Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Between 80% and 100% of your photovoltaic or wind turbine installation costs may be covered by the REAP Grant if you own a rural small business or farm. To see if you qualify, use our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
For residential solar installations, almost all homeowners are eligible for a 30% federal income tax credit, which makes solar energy a feasible choice in many parts of the country. Moreover, many regional and state programs are set up to encourage more people to switch to solar power.
Different utilities and governmental bodies in Montana offer 8 solar rebate and incentive initiatives.
Solar incentives in MTIncentive Description Value
Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program
Value:Varies
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality operates a revolving loan program for home and business owners making renewable energy improvements and investments. Repaid funds immediately "revolve" to support a new borrower. A maximum principal of $40,000 per loan is available at a variable interest rate (typically about 3.25%). Repayment periods can last up to ten years. Applicants will be subject to standard credit checks, site audits, and technical plan reviews. Due to a limited budget and the revolving nature of the fund, disbursement may not take place immediately upon approval. Additional information is available from the DEQ website.
Montana Solar and Wind Easements
Value:Varies
In Montana, property owners neighboring either a solar or wind energy system may voluntarily agree to easements protecting energy access. Easements are considered "attached" to the properties, but they may not add taxable value. At a minimum, easements should contain legal descriptions of the subject properties, quantitative measures of angles or affected airspace, compensation provisions, and terms and conditions which would result in the easement's modification or nullification. Easements are usually stored by local or county recorders. In some cases, they must be notarized before going into effect.
NorthWestern Energy - USB Renewable Energy Fund
Value:Varies
Rebate programs are available through NorthWestern Energy for customers making energy efficiency improvements or adopting renewable energy technology on their site. Funding for rebates comes from the state Universal System Benefits Program and is collected through a surcharge on customer bills. Available programs and offers will vary from time to time. Regular programs offer financial assistance to low-income customers and support educational initiatives on renewable energy. The E+ program supports public-sector facilities and nonprofits adopting renewable energy. Broad Benefits, a different program, incentivizes businesses to install solar photovoltaic panels. Additional information is available from the NWE website.
Net Metering
Value:Varies
Since 1999, all private utilities in Montana (such as NorthWest Energy) have been required to offer net metering contracts to their renewable energy customers. Any solar, hydroelectric, or wind system rated for under 50 kilowatts is eligible to participate. Montana takes a "right to net meter" approach. It is unlawful for a utility to force net metering applicants to comply with any interconnection standards beyond those set by the IEEE, UL, or National Electric/Electrical Safety Codes. Further, customers may choose the month that NEG transmission starts and stops. Interested customers should consult with their local utility, as not every utility offers net metering.
Universal System Benefits Program
Value:Varies
The Universal System Benefits Program (USBP) is a low-income energy assistance and renewable energy incentive program in Montana. Since 1999, it has been funded through bill surcharges collected by each utility and cooperative in the state with over 50 customers. The specific cost of the surcharge is set by the state legislature. There have been a few instances where legislators have adjusted the initiative manually; most of the time, surcharges have naturally adjusted for inflation. Additional information is available from individual utilities.
Alternative Energy Investment Tax Credit
Value:Varies
In Montana, there are corporate tax exemptions for businesses making depreciable investments of at least $5,000 in renewable energy systems and technologies. Exemptions last for seven years and can additionally apply to new construction and component manufacturing. If a renewable energy system under net metering is claimed, only NEG credits are considered exempt. Incentive extensions may apply to systems and investments on reservation land.
Property Tax Abatement for Production and Manufacturing Facilities
Value:Varies
In Montana, property owners may be eligible for tax abatements on renewable energy systems or equipment used to manufacture renewable energy components. The subject of the abatement will only be assessed at 50% of its value for up to nineteen years. To qualify, the subject of the abatement must have been built or installed after 2007 and be certified by the Department of Environmental Quality. Additional information is available from the DEQ website.
Interconnection Standards
Value:Varies
Currently, grid interconnection for renewable energy systems in Montana is not standardized on a central level. However, there is a capacity ceiling of 10 MW for systems that are eligible for interconnection. Previous standards, repealed in 2010, required renewable energy facilities to meet IEEE/NESC/UL standards and required utilities to offer net metering contracts. Systems were not divided into regulatory tiers, but there was a capacity ceiling of 50 kW for net metering. Individual utilities, such as NorthWestern Energy, may establish their own interconnection standards. As such, interested customers should consult with their local utility.
Are solar panels worth it in Montana?
If your intention is to stay in your home beyond the solar payback period, installing solar panels is a wise option in Billings. In Billings, MT, a 5 kW solar system installation might save you $14,381.2 on average over 20 years, with a standard break even point of 9 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Billings, MT
The lack of solar panels or an alternative energy backup means you'll forgo the earlier mentioned savings and be entirely reliant on your electric utility for power. Full reliance on your utility is not always ideal as the news has recently shown.
Yearly, customers in Billings have experienced approximately 1.05 utility outages.Yearly, customers in Billings have experienced approximately 1.05 utility outages. On average, an outage lasts 99.09 minutes. When major events such as thunderstorms, vandalism, or overloaded power grids occur, these durations can increase significantly
A solar panel system with (or without) a backup battery could ease the stress of future outages you face.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Billings, MT?
Your Energy Needs - With larger solar panel systems, the cost per watt decreases, despite the greater upfront expense. Setting up a solar panel system that can replace the electric bill is beneficial to individuals because of the savings gained.
Make & Model - Just like other products, solar panels are offered in a wide variety of makes and models. Given the brand preferences that your installer may have, it's important to select a highly rated contractor. The use of better makes and models can greatly enhance the long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - The industry standard is now monocrystalline panels, and justifiably so. They come with a higher price, but they provide more energy. The majority of solar panel installers prefer this material.
Your Property - Every home and property is unique. Sloped land, trees, or v can increase the complexity of the installation. Solar installers nowadays typically utilize satellite imagery to assess your home and factor in these factors into the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The pay that various companies offer their employees differ, and these expenses are passed on to the consumers. Companies that pay higher wages frequently garner higher reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Depending on the location, permitting and utility interconnection fees will influence your installation price. Good local installers will build these figures into your first estimates to avoid any surprises.
Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
Billings, MT Solar Panel Cost FAQs
In August, 2024, the average cost of solar panels per watt in Billings, MT is $3.46/W. Installing a 5 kW solar panel system in Billings, MT will cost approximately $12,110 after applying the federal tax credit.
Montana offers 8 different rebates and incentives from a range of utilities and government organizations. On top of that, most individuals are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit.
Even though cash payments provide the greatest savings, many financing options for solar panels today are also cost-effective. Financing options are frequently available through installers and will be detailed in your initial quotes.
Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback time in Billings, MT is 9 years, with expected savings of $14,381.2 on electricity over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
