Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Installing solar panels means sizable spending upfront, but you can recoup those costs through major reductions in your energy bills down the line.
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.
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.
Experts Ready to Help
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 Type | Incentive 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. |
Consider these key points before hiring a solar panel installation professional.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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