Best 5 Solar Companies in Butte, MT

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Butte

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar system. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.

Licensing and Training

Solar jobs in Montana need a licensed electrician under either of three circumstances: if the system is connected to a utility grid, if your locality requires a licensed electrician install the panels, 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 no matter your panels' capacity. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Butte

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

If you'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and convenient to use. Not every solar contractor offers these add-ons, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Butte and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $17,350 for materials and labor. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Butte

Solar companies use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments and solar loans. We suggest making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in certain circumstances. Look for contractors that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.