Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Fairview, Montana. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading, family-owned Montana solar installer with over two decades of experience. They are known for their high-quality custom designs, expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems, and exceptional customer service. They handle the entire process from consultation and design to installation and maintenance.
A highly-rated, full-service solar contractor based in Billings. They specialize in making the solar process seamless for homeowners, with strong knowledge of local incentives, financing options, and net metering policies with utility providers like Northwestern Energy. They offer robust maintenance and cleaning services.
A reliable and well-established installer serving Montana and the Dakotas. They are praised for their professional crews and high-quality workmanship on residential projects. Northern Wind Solar has strong partnerships with top-tier equipment manufacturers, ensuring robust system performance and comprehensive warranties.
** The home solar market in and around Fairview, Montana, is characteristic of a semi-rural region. There are no dedicated solar installers physically located within the town limits itself. Therefore, the market is served by established regional players from hub cities like Billings (~150 miles west) and even Bismarck, ND (~130 miles east). The competition level is moderate but specialized; homeowners have a choice of several highly competent, veteran companies. The average quality of service is very high, as these companies have built their reputations on serving remote and rural properties, making them experts in dealing with the specific challenges of the Montana climate and landscape. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$15,000 to $35,000+** before the 30% federal tax credit, depending heavily on system size, the complexity of the installation (e.g., roof type, need for ground mounts), and the inclusion of battery storage. These providers are exceptionally knowledgeable about state-specific incentives, net metering policies, and financing options tailored to agricultural and residential customers in Montana.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Fairview regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Fairview, Montana.
Solar panels actually operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures, which benefits production during our crisp, sunny Montana winters. While snow cover can temporarily reduce output, panels are installed at an angle to encourage snow shedding, and the abundant summer sunlight leads to exceptionally high production, often creating a net surplus for the year. It's crucial to design a system sized for lower winter production to ensure year-round reliability.
For a typical Fairview home, a solar system currently costs between $18,000 and $30,000 before incentives, depending on system size and home energy use. Critically, Montana offers a state tax credit of up to $500 per year for five years (total $2,500), and you remain eligible for the 30% federal tax credit. Additionally, NorthWestern Energy's net metering program credits you for excess power sent back to the grid, improving payback.
Yes, you will need to obtain an electrical permit from Dawson County Building Department. The process is generally straightforward for residential solar, but it's essential to confirm there are no specific covenants or restrictions if you live within a homeowners association (HOA). Reputable local installers will handle the entire permitting process, ensuring your system meets all Montana Electrical Code and local zoning requirements.
Prioritize providers with extensive experience installing in Montana's specific climate, as they understand snow load calculations, optimal tilt angles for our latitude, and durable racking for high winds. Look for local companies based in Eastern Montana or those with a proven track record in the region, and always verify they are licensed, insured, and offer strong warranties on both equipment and workmanship.
NorthWestern Energy's net metering policy credits your account for any excess solar energy you export to the grid, rolling over kilowatt-hour credits month-to-month. This helps offset power drawn at night or on cloudy days. Importantly, standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during an outage for safety; to have power during an outage, you must invest in a system with a dedicated solar battery backup, which is a growing consideration for rural Fairview homeowners.