Best 4 Solar Companies in Bozeman, MT

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Bozeman

The more comprehensive your provider search is, the better your solar panels will ultimately perform. Consider each of these elements in your contractor search.

Licensing and Training

Solar jobs in Montana need a licensed electrician under either of three circumstances: if your locality requires a licensed electrician install the panels, if the system is connected to a utility grid, or if the system is rated for over 90 volts. For solar water heating systems, you'll need a master plumber to do the job regardless of your panels' capacity. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most respected are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, backed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Bozeman

Your solar panels' model will impact how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's performance. Not all solar contractors include these optional components, so look for a provider that installs them if it's a priority for you.

If you're a resident of Bozeman and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $17,350 for materials and labor. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Bozeman

Solar providers use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, cash payments, solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We suggest working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each agent about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your spending limits.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Bozeman.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and dedicated financing plans that could save you more.