Solar Panel Cost in Montana (2026)
In Montana, home solar installs for roughly $2.75/watt in 2026. A typical 8 kW system runs about $22,000, with an estimated payback near 15.7 years at the state's ~13¢/kWh electricity rate.
| System size | Est. cost | Est. annual savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $16,500 | $1,100/yr | 15.7 yrs |
| 8 kW | $22,000 | $1,400/yr | 15.7 yrs |
| 11 kW | $30,300 | $1,900/yr | 15.7 yrs |
Estimates use ~$2.75/watt installed and Montana's ~13¢/kWh rate. Before any state/local incentives.
Montana solar notes
Montana keeps 1:1 retail net metering (up to 50 kW), among the more generous in the Mountain West, though cheap power and northern latitude temper savings.
Heads up: the 30% federal tax credit for purchased home solar ended Dec 31, 2025. Leased/PPA systems may still qualify through 2027, and Montana may offer its own incentives — check locally.
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