Plug-In Solar in Montana — Status: unclear
Last Updated: March 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 12.1¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $150/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 3¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.7 |
| Retail Choice | none |
What You Can Do
No specific plug-in solar law. Traditional rooftop solar available. NorthWestern Energy offers net metering.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
Utilities require interconnection agreements for grid-tied systems.
Available Rebates & Incentives
Montana offers a personal income tax deduction for residential solar installations (up to $500/year). Net metering available through NorthWestern Energy. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- DSIRE — Montana Solar Incentives — Full list of Montana state and utility solar incentive programs, including the income tax deduction.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 1,137,233 |
| Total Households | 462,887 |
| Owner-Occupied | 320,318 |
| Renter-Occupied | 142,569 |
| Single-Family Homes | 371,522 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 29,199 |
| Median Household Income | $70,170 |
| Median Home Value | $375,800 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.68 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 20° |
| Optimal Azimuth | 180 degrees (Due South) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1079 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | April–September |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| NorthWestern Energy | ~380000 customers | Yes |
| Montana-Dakota Utilities | ~40000 customers | Yes |
| Montana Electric Cooperatives | ~150000 customers | Yes |