Solar Panels Cost $10k-$20k in Montana | July, 2025

Electricity Costs in Montana & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

The typical monthly electric bill for a Montana energy consumer is $107.99, based on an average usage of 862 kWh. These numbers reflect apartments and other smaller living spaces with lower energy consumption.

The rate of electricity in Montana, on average, is 12.52¢ per kWh in July 2025.

If you’re a typical energy user in Montana you has to have 8 kW or more sized system to meet your entire energy consumption demands. You can expect to pay about $28,640 for 8 kW setup upfront, but the federal tax credit gives you 30% back, bringing the total to $20,048.

Are solar panels worth it in Montana?

For those in Montana intending to stay in their homes past the payback period of their solar system, solar panels make good sense. With a 5 kW solar system in Montana, the average savings over a 20 period is $13,388.03, with break even typically occurring at 10 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Montana

Apart from missing out on the aforementioned savings, not installing solar panels or any backup energy system leaves you totally reliant on your electric utility for power. Recent news coverage has demonstrated that full reliance on your utility company isn't always the most favorable scenario.

Customers in Montana have encountered an average of 1.05 utility outages per year lately. On average, an outage lasts 116.39 minutes. Major events such as planned maintenance, equipment failure or hurricanes can significantly extend these time frames.

View the component below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Montana.

Whether or not a backup battery is included, a solar panel system could reduce the impact of future power outages you might encounter.

What impacts the cost of solar panels in Montana?

Your Energy Needs -While the upfront cost is larger, the price per watt declines with larger solar panel systems. Individuals often find that installing a solar system that can offset their electric bill is highly beneficial. This strategy results in increased savings.

Make & Model - As with many other products, there are different makes and models of solar panels and mounting equipment available. The brand preferences of your selected installer can make it important to pick a reputable installer. Buyers who opt for better materials generally enjoy a superior long-term experience.

Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have emerged as the industry standard, and deservedly so. Even though they are more expensive, they produce more energy. The majority of installers utilize panels constructed from this material.

Your Property - Trees, uneven land, or other obstacles can make the installation process more challenging. With the use of satellite images, many solar installers currently can evaluate your home and include these elements into the initial cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Variations in employee wages across companies cause expenses that are passed on to the consumers. Companies that invest in higher wages often see higher reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which differ by region, will influence your final installation cost. That said, reputable local installers will be able to build these numbers into your first quotes so there are no surprises.