Solar Panels Cost $10k-$20k in Laurel, MT | August, 2025
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How much do solar panels cost in Laurel, MT in 2025?
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To go solar in Laurel, MT in August, 2025 costs $3.58/W.
According to the rate per watt, solar panel installations will cost you, on average, $3,580 per 1K (or 1000 watts) of production capacity. When you subtract the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar system in Laurel will cost around $12,530. In accordance with your energy consumption habits, your home might require a larger system.
On the left, select your county to see the average roof size and the maximum generation capacity for residential solar on homes in your area. Outlined below are the price, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Laurel: $12,530US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Laurel: 10 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Laurel: $8,279US Average: $17,429
Solar Potential in Laurel
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Laurel.
Roof size 769sq. ft.
Capacity 10.75kW DC
Electricity 13.3kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Laurel, MT & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
In Laurel, the typical electric bill for an energy user is $109.08, with a typical monthly usage of 863 kWh. Be mindful that this number includes data from apartments and other smaller homes with lower energy needs.
In August 2025, the average electricity rate in Laurel, MT is 12.64¢ per kWh.
If your household uses an average amount of electricity in Laurel, you will need a solar system of 8 kW or higher to fully satisfy your full electricity consumption demands. At this time, an 8 kW solar installation costs around $28,640 initially, with the 30% federal tax credit, the cost comes to $20,048.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Laurel
Displayed below and to the left, is a thorough cost analysis for multiple solar panel system sizes installed in Laurel. A more extensive solar array will obviously cost more, but it will also provide more significant electricity savings and higher income tax credits.
Using the solar panel cost calculator located to the right and below, you can view a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on an average electric bill of $109.08 in Laurel. Swap the $109.08 with your usual electricity bill for custom results.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $705 a year
Est. Price
$10,024
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,422 kWh
Est. monthly savings $59
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.37 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 155 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,352 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $881 a year
Est. Price
$12,530
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,778 kWh
Est. monthly savings $73
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.22 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 194 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,440 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,057 a year
Est. Price
$15,036
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,133 kWh
Est. monthly savings $88
Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.06 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 232 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 12,529 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,234 a year
Est. Price
$17,542
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 9,489 kWh
Est. monthly savings $103
Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.91 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 271 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 14,617 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,410 a year
Est. Price
$20,048
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,845 kWh
Est. monthly savings $109
Full payback in 15 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 6.26 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 288 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 15,498 mi less a year
Laurel Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2025
Rural entrepreneurs and farmers might find that the REAP Grant pays for 80% to 100% of their costs when installing solar energy or wind energy systems. Believe you qualify? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to see if you are eligible.
For residential solar installations, nearly all homeowners can benefit from a 30% federal income tax credit, which makes solar energy a feasible choice in many parts of the country. Furthermore, several state and local efforts are in place to further encourage the adoption of solar energy.
Montana residents have access to 8 solar rebate and incentive initiatives from various utilities and governmental bodies.
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 plan is to stay in your home past the time it takes to pay off your solar system, opting for solar panels is a smart move in Laurel. In Laurel, MT, a 5 kW solar system installation might save you $13,649.2 on average over 20 years, with a usual break even point of 10 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Laurel, MT
Without solar panels or another backup power source, you miss out on the savings highlighted previously and rely entirely on your electric utility for electricity. As we have seen in numerous recent news reports, full reliance on your utility isn't always the best option.
Each year, customers in Laurel have encountered approximately 0.98 utility outages.Yearly, customers in Laurel have dealt with approximately 0.98 utility outages. On average, the length of an outage is 88.2 minutes. Major events like grid management errors, heavy rain and flooding or planned maintenance can cause these durations to rise considerably.
With or without a backup battery, a solar panel system could reduce the effects of future power interruptions you might face.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Yellowstone County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Laurel, MT?
Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel systems have a higher initial cost, yet the average cost per watt falls as the system size expands. Most homeowners see the advantage in installing a solar setup that can make enough power to cover their entire electric bill, ensuring significant savings.
Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment, just like many other products, are offered in a variety of makes and models. Taking into account the specific brand preferences an installer might have, choosing a recommended company is important. Better quality models generally provide a more favorable long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - For good reasons, monocrystalline panels have become the standard in the industry. These panels are more expensive, yet they offer more energy. Most installers tend to use panels crafted from this material.
Your Property - Each property and home has its own unique features. Uneven ground, trees, or additional obstacles may add to the difficulty of the installation. Many solar installers now are able to utilize satellite imagery to assess your home and include these factors in the initial cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The costs related to the varied wages offered by companies to their employees are passed on to the consumers. Businesses paying more to their employees frequently receive higher reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Your installation cost will be impacted by area-specific permitting and utility interconnection fees. That said, reputable local installers will be able to integrate these numbers into your preliminary quotes so there are no surprises.
Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
Laurel, MT Solar Panel Cost FAQs
The typical cost per watt for solar panels in Laurel, MT as of August, 2025 is $3.58/W. With the federal tax credit, the cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Laurel, MT drops to roughly $12,530.
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.
Paying cash provides the most savings, yet there are several financing options available today for solar panels that are also advantageous. Financing partners are often associated with many installers, and this will be detailed in your initial quotes.
Yes, the typical payback time for 5 kW solar panel systems in Laurel, MT is 10 years, and the expected electricity cost savings over 20 years is $13,649.2.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
