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3 Best Solar Companies in Bozeman, MT

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated April 2024

Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for Bozeman homeowners. A solar panel array can help you provide a dependable source of power, add value to your property, and decrease your carbon footprint. Adopting solar energy can allow you to save money and lower your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a qualified installer. That’s why, after conducting thorough research on providers, we compiled a guide to the most trusted solar companies in Bozeman. These installers offer dependable quality service.

Our Recommended Providers

Top Pick
4.7/5
  • High-quality Maxeon solar panels
  • Nearly 30 years in business
  • Great customer service

Top 3 Best Solar Companies in Bozeman

Harvest Solar MT llc.

Harvest Solar MT llc. Logo

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516 E Bryant St a, Bozeman, MT 59715 (406) 570-8844 harvestsolarmt.com

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Grid-tied solar system
Financing assistance
Off-grid solar systems
Battery storage
Panel installation

Independent Power

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2430 N 7th Ave STE 6, Bozeman, MT 59715 (406) 587-5295 solarips.com

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Panel installation
Financing assistance
Off-grid solar systems
Battery storage

Liquid Solar Systems

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621 E Peach St, Bozeman, MT 59715 (406) 581-1972 liquidsolarsystems.com

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Panel installation
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

How To Choose a Solar Company

Installing solar panels can lower your electricity costs and benefit the planet by reducing your carbon footprint. When determining whether a solar provider is the best option for you, consider these key factors.

Check Licensing

Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This ensures that the work is done properly using the most up-to-date installation methods. Solar jobs in Montana need a licensed electrician under any of three circumstances:

  • The system is rated for over 90 volts
  • The system is connected to a utility grid
  • Your locality requires a licensed electrician install the panels
. For solar water heating systems, you'll need a master plumber to do the job regardless of your panels' capacity.

Read Customer Reviews

Look at review platforms such as Google Reviews, TrustPilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to find out what previous customers are saying about local solar companies. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s trustworthiness and customer service. Be wary of companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Get free, detailed quotes from three to five solar companies. The quotes should list all costs and identify the solar parts included. Comparing several quotes can help you find the most cost-effective option.

Ask About the Warranty

Top-notch solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship guarantee covers installation defects, such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels. A performance warranty ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive guarantees indicate that a solar company believes in its work.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar energy can help you lower electricity bills over time. Make sure you consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.

  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels may be paid for upfront or financed over time through a lease or loan. Confirm all terms when financing, including payment schedule, fees, annual percentage rate (APR), and ownership implications.
  • Research federal and state tax credits: There’s a 26% federal tax credit available for the full cost of solar systems until 2032. Many states also provide incentives. The credits can add up to significant savings for solar buyers.
  • Look into utility rebates: Some utility companies may provide additional discounts to motivate homeowners to adopt solar power. Check the eligibility criteria and rebate amounts offered by your local electric utility to determine the possible savings.

Cost of Solar Installation in Bozeman

Solar panel costs vary based on your system's capacity and the solar technology used. The typical Bozeman solar array has a capacity of 16.6 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area should expect to pay approximately $3,470 per kilowatt; the average Bozeman homeowners spends about $40,301 on a new solar array after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar installer will account for things like the panel type, size, and capacity of the planned system, and should include prices for preliminary work, permit fees, and labor.

Bozeman Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Website: oregon.gov

Incentive Amount:

100%

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Incentive Amount:

100%

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: northwesternenergy.com

Incentive Amount:

See program website for details.

Incentive Type: Loan Program

Website: deq.mt.gov

Incentive Amount:

$40,000

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: deq.mt.gov

Incentive Amount:

100%

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Bozeman, MT

Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heating system.

There are many advantages of home solar energy. You can save money, reduce emissions, and qualify for tax benefits. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also offer you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.

It depends on your location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Bozeman can experience long, hard winters, so we recommend installing your system in the springtime to maximize your generation for the year.

Yes, it's possible to use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In most parts of the country, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, which means you can reap the savings and environmental benefits of solar energy without having to completely switch over.

You might be pleasantly surprised at how short it takes to get a return on investment from your solar panels. The sun shines frequently in Bozeman, meaning your payback period could last 19.0 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.

While solar energy might not be the best performing choice for some in dark or wet areas, the latest generation of equipment and energy storage systems could boost your property's solar viability enough where you could achieve a return on investment. A contractor could also recommend a different primary source of renewable energy like wind or geothermal to boost your generation.

Yes, solar panels can still supply you with energy during a grid outage. To ensure that your solar system is able to keep working during a power outage, make sure to choose a quality solar provider and look for a solar system that includes a battery backup.

Some frequently-used types of home solar panels in Bozeman include monocrystalline, thin-film and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are balanced and efficient, while thin-film and polycrystalline panels pair good performance with greater upfront value. Ask your local provider about what kinds of solar panels they work with.

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