Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Clinton, Montana. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly reputable, locally-owned and operated company that has been a leader in Montana's solar industry for over a decade. They are known for their expert system design, high-quality installations, and deep knowledge of Montana's specific climate and incentive programs. They offer comprehensive services from consultation to maintenance.
Onsite Energy is a well-established Missoula-based contractor specializing in renewable energy systems. They have a strong track record for professional installations and customer service. They provide robust financing options and are experts in integrating solar with existing home energy systems.
Serving Western Montana, Northwest Renewables is known for its technical expertise and focus on both residential and commercial solar projects. They are a certified installer for major equipment manufacturers and offer strong warranties. They excel at handling complex installations and providing long-term maintenance support.
** The home solar market in Clinton, Montana, and the broader Western Montana region is characterized by a small but growing number of highly specialized and reputable local installers. Due to Clinton's rural nature, residents are often served by companies based in Missoula, approximately 25 miles away. The competition, while not dense, is of very high quality, with established companies possessing over a decade of experience. These providers are well-versed in the unique challenges of the region, including heavy snow loads, variable sunlight hours, and navigating the specific incentives offered by NorthWestern Energy. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before the 30% federal tax credit. This translates to a gross cost of approximately **$21,000 to $35,000** for a typical 7-10 kW system. The combination of strong local expertise, high customer satisfaction, and the significant financial incentive from the federal government makes this a robust and reliable market for homeowners considering solar adoption.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Clinton regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Clinton, Montana.
While winter production is lower due to snow and fewer daylight hours, Clinton receives excellent solar irradiance in spring, summer, and fall, making annual production very viable. Systems are designed with a steeper tilt (often 45-60 degrees) to better shed snow and capture the lower winter sun. Additionally, net metering with Missoula Electric Cooperative allows you to bank summer credits to offset winter usage, ensuring year-round savings.
A typical residential system in Clinton ranges from $18,000 to $30,000 before incentives, depending on system size and home energy needs. Crucially, you are eligible for the 30% federal solar tax credit, which significantly reduces the net cost. Montana also has a state property tax exemption for the added home value from solar, and some local utilities may offer additional rebates, making the long-term investment very attractive.
Yes, you will need to obtain an electrical permit from Missoula County Building Safety. The process is straightforward for licensed installers. If your home is within a homeowner's association (HOA), you should review its covenants, though Montana state law (MCA 70-17-108) prohibits HOAs from unreasonably restricting solar installations. Your chosen local provider will typically manage this entire permitting process for you.
Look for established, locally-based companies with extensive experience installing in Montana's specific climate. They should be licensed, insured, and offer strong warranties. Ask for references from past customers in the area and verify they are familiar with Missoula Electric Cooperative's interconnection and net metering policies. A trustworthy provider will conduct a detailed site assessment considering your roof, shading from local trees, and energy goals.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during an outage for safety reasons, so you would not have power unless you have a dedicated backup solution. For Clinton homeowners concerned about outages, the most common solution is to pair your solar panels with a battery storage system (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar). This stores excess energy for use anytime, providing critical backup power during storms or grid maintenance.