Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Big Arm, Montana. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading local provider specializing in high-quality residential and commercial solar installations. They are known for their personalized design process, expert knowledge of Montana-specific incentives, and strong partnerships with top-tier equipment manufacturers. Their team handles the entire process from consultation to permitting and installation.
Glacier Solar is a dedicated solar installation company serving Northwestern Montana. They pride themselves on robust system design, quality craftsmanship, and exceptional customer service. They offer comprehensive services including energy efficiency assessments to ensure the solar system is optimized for the home's specific energy profile.
A well-established, full-service renewable energy contractor with extensive experience in complex projects, including off-grid homes common in rural Montana. They are experts in designing systems that can handle the region's heavy snow loads and variable weather, offering both solar and wind solutions.
** The home solar market in the Big Arm and greater Flathead Lake region is characterized by a small number of highly specialized, local providers rather than large national chains. The competition is moderate but of high quality, with companies competing on reputation, specialized expertise, and customer service rather than price alone. Given the rural nature and propensity for off-grid living in the area, providers like OnSite Energy have a significant advantage with their deep expertise in battery-based and hybrid systems. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. This translates to a typical gross cost of **$25,000 to $45,000** for a medium-sized system. However, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) can reduce this cost by 30%. Montana-specific incentives, such as the alternative energy system tax credit and property tax exemptions, further improve the return on investment. The leading local providers are exceptionally knowledgeable about navigating these state-specific incentives, which is a critical value-add for homeowners. Customer satisfaction is generally high, as the local market demands quality and reliability due to the challenging climate and the critical nature of power for many rural residences.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Big Arm regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Big Arm, Montana.
Solar panels are very effective in Big Arm's climate. Cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency, and snow cover is typically not a major issue as panels are installed at an angle, allowing snow to slide off. While winter days are shorter, Montana enjoys exceptionally sunny days year-round, and modern systems are designed to capture optimal light, producing significant energy even in winter months, especially with proper placement to avoid shading from trees.
The average cost for a residential solar system in Montana ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, Montana homeowners benefit from a 30% federal tax credit and a state tax credit of up to $500. Additionally, you may be eligible for net metering through your local utility, Flathead Electric Cooperative, which credits you for excess power sent back to the grid, significantly improving the return on investment.
Permitting is managed through Lake County Building and Planning. The process is generally straightforward for standard rooftop systems, but it's important to check for any specific shoreline regulations if your property is very close to Flathead Lake. Your chosen solar provider will typically handle the entire permitting process, ensuring compliance with all local building codes and electrical regulations.
Prioritize installers with extensive local experience in Montana's climate and with Flathead Electric Cooperative's interconnection process. Look for licensed, bonded, and insured contractors with strong references from nearby projects. A reputable local provider will offer a detailed site assessment that considers unique factors like lake-effect weather patterns, seasonal sun angles, and potential snow load to design a robust, high-performing system.
Flathead Electric Cooperative offers a net metering program where your solar system's excess generation is credited to your account at the retail rate, offsetting your usage when the sun isn't shining. It's important to note that standard grid-tied systems will shut down during a power outage for safety reasons unless you invest in a additional battery storage solution, which is becoming increasingly popular in rural areas like Big Arm for backup power.