Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Hays, Montana. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A well-established, Montana-owned company specializing in custom-designed solar solutions for both grid-tied and off-grid properties. They are known for their expertise in remote and rural installations, making them an ideal fit for the Hays area. Their team handles everything from initial consultation and system design to installation, maintenance, and navigating local incentives.
On Site Energy is a leading renewable energy contractor based in Great Falls with a strong reputation across central Montana. They offer comprehensive residential services and are particularly skilled at integrating solar with existing home energy systems. They provide robust financing options and are experts in both new construction and retrofit projects.
Solar Montana is a dedicated solar installer focused on bringing high-quality, efficient systems to Montana homes and businesses. They pride themselves on customer education and transparent pricing. They offer a full suite of services from installation to maintenance and are knowledgeable about the federal tax credits and net metering policies applicable to the region.
** The home solar market for a rural community like Hays, Montana, is characterized by a few key factors. The **average quality** of available service is high, as the companies that operate in this region are specialized in dealing with the unique challenges of rural Montana, including off-grid needs, harsh weather conditions, and longer travel distances for installations. The **level of competition** is moderate but specialized. While there are not dozens of providers vying for business directly in Hays, the established regional players from Havre and Great Falls are highly competent and compete on service quality, durability of installations, and expertise in remote systems rather than on price alone. **Typical pricing** for a residential system in this area is generally in line with the national average, ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. This means a typical 6 kW system could have a gross cost between $15,000 and $21,000. The 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) significantly reduces this net cost. Furthermore, the high number of off-grid and battery-backed requests in the region can increase the project scope and cost, but these are often essential for energy independence and reliability in remote locations. Financing options are readily available through the providers, including loans and leases, making solar accessible despite the upfront investment.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Hays regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Hays, Montana.
Solar panels actually operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures, and Hays's abundant summer sun provides excellent production. While winter snow cover can temporarily reduce output, panels are installed at an angle to help snow slide off, and the reflective snow can even increase light exposure on clear days. Annually, Montana receives ample sunlight for a highly effective solar system, with production predictably higher in the summer months to offset increased air conditioning use.
After the 30% federal solar tax credit, a typical residential system in Hays might range from $15,000 to $25,000, depending on system size and home energy needs. Montana offers a state property tax exemption, ensuring your home's assessed value won't increase due to the solar installation. Additionally, you can benefit from net metering with your local utility (likely McCone Electric Cooperative), earning credits for excess power you send back to the grid.
Yes, you will need to secure a building permit from McCone County. Reputable local solar installers will typically manage this entire process for you. Regulations are generally solar-friendly in Montana, but it's crucial to confirm there are no specific covenants if you live within a homeowners association (HOA), though Montana law restricts HOAs from outright prohibiting solar installations.
Look for providers with proven experience in Eastern Montana's specific conditions. Key factors include strong local references, certifications (like NABCEP), and familiarity with McCone Electric Cooperative's interconnection process. Choose a company that offers a robust workmanship warranty (often 10+ years) and uses high-quality, durable equipment rated for Montana's temperature extremes and weather.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during an outage for safety reasons, to protect utility workers. To have power during an outage, you need a system with battery storage (like a Tesla Powerwall) or a dedicated solar generator. This is a critical consideration for Hays homeowners seeking energy independence, and it represents an additional investment beyond the standard panel installation.