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4 best solar companies in Helena, Montana

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Updated Apr. 22, 2024

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Top-quality solar panel installation in Helena, Montana, requires you to hire a solar installer that is properly certified, trained and experienced. To help your search for the right installer, we've assembled a list of the highest-ranking solar companies in Helena.

Before selecting an installer, request referrals, vet potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to find the right company for your requirements. You can find a local solar company in Helena or use an established national brand.

Featured
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4.6
Our Rating
  • Extends 25-year system and labor warranties
  • Installs electric vehicle chargers
  • Offers strong leasing options
GET ESTIMATE

While installing solar panels requires a significant initial investment, it can reduce your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that switching to solar energy allows Helena homeowners to save an average of $2,100 annually.

The offerings from different solar technicians vary. Take the time to compare companies and get quotes before you set up your solar panel installation.

Find the top solar company for you in Helena

Seek out Helena solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Read through reviews to learn about other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and be on the lookout for frequent bad reviews.

Purelight Power of Helena Logo

Purelight Power of Helena

5.0/5
Top Rated
Popular
Services Offered
ConsultationBattery StoragePermit AssistanceGrid-Tied Solar SystemPanel Installation

34 Industry Loop Building F, Helena, MT 59635

(406) 389-5123

purelightpower.com/helena-solar-insta...
Solar Montana Logo

Solar Montana

3.3/5
Nearby
Services Offered
Off-Grid Solar SystemsPanel InstallationConsultationGrid-Tied Solar SystemBattery Storage

420 N Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601

(406) 442-4828

www.solarmontana.com
Independent Power Logo

Independent Power

3.1/5
Not Nearby
Services Offered
Financing AssistanceOff-Grid Solar SystemsBattery StoragePanel Installation

2430 N 7th Ave STE 6, Bozeman, MT 59715

(406) 587-5295

www.solarips.com/locations/montana/bo...
Harvest Solar MT llc. Logo

Harvest Solar MT llc.

3.1/5
Not Nearby
Few Reviews
Services Offered
Off-Grid Solar SystemsGrid-Tied Solar SystemBattery StoragePanel InstallationFinancing Assistance

516 E Bryant St a, Bozeman, MT 59715

(406) 570-8844

www.harvestsolarmt.com

What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Helena?

Even areas with variable sun amounts, including rainier and overcast places such as Helena, can still benefit from solar panels. Major reasons to adopt solar are:

  • Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy enables you to fuel electric cars at your house. Using your own power is the ideal way to make sure your electric vehicle runs on renewable energy.
  • Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar reduces your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Save on energy bills: Going with solar energy enables you to lower your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels substitutes for electricity that would otherwise be purchased from utility providers.

Facts about Helena

Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
$30
Helena
$64
National Average
Clear Sky Days Per Year
82
Helena
97
National Average
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
$124
Helena
$124
National Average

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Helena?

Based on our survey conducted in October 2023, the typical national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.

The cost of installing solar panels differs based on several factors, including your location, sunlight access, roof orientation, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you pick any extras like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.

Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA, installing solar panels in Helena averages around $41,495.

How much can you save by going solar in Helena?

Installing solar panels means sizable spending upfront, but you can recoup those costs through major reductions in your energy bills down the line.

Money savings in Helena from going solar

Homeowners in Helena who fully switch to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.

  • Payback period: The average payback period is the length of time required for a solar panel system to recoup its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which leverage data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Helena's standard solar payback period is 19 years.
  • Annual solar savings in Helena: Homeowners in Helena typically save around $2,118 per year by using solar energy, based on our calculations using data from the Department of Energy, the EIA and NASA.
  • Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from NASA and the EIA, by switching fully to solar, you can plan to see a total savings of around $22,582 after 25 years.

Energy savings in Helena from going solar

Transitioning to solar not only saves money but also decreases your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.

  • CO2 emissions reduced per year: 10 lb/MWh
  • CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 250 lb/MWh
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What solar incentives are available in Helena?

There are multiple solar incentives available to homeowners in Helena. Various programs are applicable to all Montana residents, while others are dependent on your city, utility company and municipality.

Available solar incentives to Montana homeowners, per DSIRE, include:

Name / Incentive TypeIncentive Amount/Details
Property Tax Incentive
Renewable Energy Systems Exemption
100%
Personal Tax Credit
Residential Alternative Energy System Tax Credit
100%
Rebate Program
NorthWestern Energy - USB Renewable Energy Fund
See program website for details.
Loan Program
Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program
$40,000
Personal Tax Credit
Residential Geothermal Systems Credit
100%
Personal Tax Credit
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

What are common factors to consider before hiring a Helena solar installer?

Consider these key points before hiring a solar panel installation professional.

What size system do you need?

Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio determine the appropriate panel system size for you. Larger homes tend to use more power and will potentially need bigger solar panel systems. An undersized system could lead to inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.

Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?

Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local rules. You must get proper permits through your local building department and arrange for an inspection.

Does your home get enough sunlight access?

Not every house gets the same amount of sun. Trees, rain and severe weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks enough sunlight, you may need a higher amount of panels with increased wattage.

Do you need a solar battery?

A number of solar panel systems include a solar battery. Solar batteries preserve extra energy, which can be vital for avoiding outages in bad weather. Opting for battery storage could raise the total cost.

Which type of solar panel do you want?

You have options among solar panel types, as they differ in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These elements influence cost, how soon you'll need to swap panels and space used on your roof.

Our methodology for selecting solar companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.

Contact us at feedback@homefront.usatoday.com if you have questions or feedback on this article

Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top

Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.

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