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5 Best Solar Companies in Helena, MT

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated April 2024

A solar panel array could give you a renewable power source that will pay for itself in time. Solar power can cut your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to hire a trustworthy solar installer. That’s why we’ve analyzed the options and compiled a guide to the most dependable solar Installers in Helena. These top providers offer high-quality and reliable services.

Our Recommended Providers

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

Top 5 Best Solar Companies in Helena

Solar Montana

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420 N Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601 (406) 442-4828 solarmontana.com

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

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

Purelight Power of Helena

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34 Industry Loop Building F, Helena, MT 59635 (406) 389-5123 purelightpower.com

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Services Offered

Consultation
Grid-tied solar system
Panel installation
Battery storage
Permit assistance

Harvest Solar MT llc.

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

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Informative resources

Services Offered

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

Independent Power

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

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Services Offered

Battery storage
Panel installation
Financing assistance
Off-grid solar systems

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

Putting solar panels on your roof could cut your electricity payments while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint through renewable energy use. Key considerations when researching local solar installers are as follows.

Check Licensing

Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using current installation best practices. 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 have to say about local solar providers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s reliability and customer service. Be cautious of companies lacking reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Contact at least three solar companies to receive free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly explain all costs and specify the exact solar components included. Comparing multiple quotes helps identify the best value based on your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

Quality solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship guarantee addresses any installation defects (such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment), while a performance warranty ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties demonstrate a company's confidence 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.

  • Look into utility rebates: Local power companies may have extra financial benefits to motivate homeowners to install solar panels. Review the eligibility criteria and rebate amounts with your local provider to figure out your potential savings.
  • Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal tax credit for solar the applies to the full system cost is available through 2032. Many states also have incentives. These credits offer substantial savings for solar customers.
  • Compare system purchase options: Homeowners can pay for solar panels upfront or finance payments over time with leases or loans. Be sure to confirm key details like fees, annual percentage rate (APR), payment schedule, and what ownership means when financing solar panels.

Cost of Solar Installation in Helena

The average Helena homeowner will spend around $41,495 on a home solar system after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Helena cost approximately $3,470 per kilowatt, with the average residential solar system being 17.1 kilowatts. An estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for permit fees, preliminary work, and labor, and will account for your system's capacity, panel type, and size. Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.

Helena 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 Helena, MT

A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. A more specific example is installing a solar water heating system.

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

Yes. The grid in Helena already uses a large share of renewable energy sources, and you may be able to sell your excess generated energy to your utility for additional cost savings.

Generally speaking, your energy bills will significantly decrease after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Helena, the average amount someone can save is $2,118 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system once the payback period passes.

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 Helena, meaning your payback period could last 19.6 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.

The specific types of maintenance you need will depend on the type of panels you're using. Regardless of type, you should inspect your panels for damage and clean them regularly. Many solar contractors in the Helena area offer multipoint maintenance plans to help you make the most of your panels and keep them healthy for as long as possible.

Yes, solar panels can still supply you with energy during a grid outage. To ensure that your solar system can keep working during a power outage, make sure to choose a quality solar provider that offers battery backup systems or emergency generators.

The answer depends on your specific needs and goals. Generally, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for houses in Helena. However, if you have a limited budget, then you may want to consider polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels. When you're gathering estimates, make sure to ask about the different types of solar panels an installer offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.

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