Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Busby, Montana. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, local Montana company specializing in both residential and commercial solar installations. They are known for their personalized customer service, expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid systems suitable for rural properties, and their comprehensive approach from design to maintenance.
Northstone is a veteran-owned business with a strong reputation for quality workmanship and electrical expertise. They focus on custom solar solutions and are well-versed in the complex needs of rural and remote installations common in Southeastern Montana.
As a larger, multi-state operator with a local office in Billings, Sigora Solar brings extensive resources and manufacturer partnerships. They offer robust financing and leasing options and are adept at handling the full project lifecycle, including navigating state and federal incentives.
** The home solar market in the Busby, Montana area is characterized by a reliance on regional providers from Billings, rather than local companies within the small town itself. The market is **moderately competitive** with a handful of highly reputable, established contractors vying for business in the region. The **average quality** of these providers is high, as they must be equipped to handle the unique challenges of Montana's climate and the prevalence of rural, sometimes off-grid, properties. **Typical pricing** for a residential solar system in Montana is generally in line with the national average, ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For an average-sized system (6-8 kW), this translates to a gross cost of $15,000 to $28,000. However, the excellent federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which currently stands at 30%, significantly reduces the net cost. Providers in this area are typically very knowledgeable about these incentives and can provide clear guidance. The combination of high electricity rates from traditional utilities and strong sunlight makes solar a financially viable and increasingly popular option for homeowners in Busby and the surrounding region.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Busby regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Busby, Montana.
Solar panels actually operate more efficiently in colder temperatures, and Busby's clear, sunny days—even in winter—allow for consistent production. However, shorter winter days and potential snow cover will reduce seasonal output, which is why proper system sizing and occasional snow removal are important. Montana's high number of annual sunny days makes the region well-suited for solar, with summer production typically offsetting lower winter generation.
The average installed cost for a residential solar system in Montana ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives, depending on system size. Crucially, Montana homeowners benefit from a state tax credit of up to $500 per year for five years (max $2,500), in addition to the 30% federal solar tax credit. You should also check with your local utility, possibly Northern Cheyenne Utilities or Tongue River Electric Cooperative, for any specific net metering policies or rebates.
Yes, you will need to obtain an electrical permit from Big Horn County for the installation. The process is generally straightforward for certified installers. If your home is within the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, there may be additional tribal regulations or review processes to consider, so confirming jurisdiction with your installer is a key first step.
Look for Montana-based installers with proven experience serving rural and Eastern Montana communities, as they understand the specific logistical and grid-connection challenges. Verify they are licensed, bonded, and insured in the state, and ask for local references from Busby or nearby towns like Lame Deer or Hardin to assess their service quality and familiarity with local codes.
Modern solar panels are rigorously tested to withstand hail and are typically rated to endure 1-inch hailstones at high speed, which matches Montana's storm conditions. Most homeowner's insurance policies in Montana will cover solar panels as a permanent attachment to your roof, but you must notify your insurer to add the system to your policy, which may cause a modest premium increase.