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#37 Solar ROI State

Solar Panel ROI in Montana (MT)

Montana averages 1,350 kWh per installed kW per year. At $11.8¢/kWh average utility rates, a 7 kW system produces a 25-year NPV of $3,189.

$13,965
System Cost (After Credits)
$3,189
25-Year NPV
13 years
Payback Period
$0.152/kWh
Solar LCOE

Solar Cost Breakdown in Montana

7 kW system (2.85/W)$19,950
Federal ITC (30%)-$5,985
Net Cost$13,965

Solar Production in Montana

Montana receives an average of 1,350 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year, based on NREL PVWatts data for a south-facing system at 20° tilt. A 7 kW system produces approximately 9,450 kWh in year one, declining by 0.5% annually due to panel degradation.

At Montana's average residential rate of $11.8¢/kWh with 4% annual escalation, first-year savings are $1,115. The solar LCOE of $0.152/kWh is -29% below the current utility rate and stays fixed while utility rates continue to climb.

Net Metering in Montana

1:1 net metering for NorthWestern Energy customers up to 50 kW

Solar FAQ for Montana

How much does solar cost in Montana?
A typical 7 kW residential solar system in Montana costs $19,950 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC, the net cost drops to $13,965.
What is the solar payback period in Montana?
Based on the average MT utility rate of $11.8¢/kWh and local solar irradiance of 1,350 kWh/kW/year, a 7 kW system typically pays for itself in 13 years. The 25-year NPV is $3,189.
Does Montana have net metering?
1:1 net metering for NorthWestern Energy customers up to 50 kW
What is the LCOE of solar in Montana?
The levelized cost of solar energy in Montana is approximately $0.152/kWh, compared to the current average utility rate of $11.8¢/kWh. Solar electricity costs -29% less than grid electricity at today's rates, and the gap widens as utility rates rise.
How much electricity does a solar panel produce in Montana?
Montana receives approximately 1,350 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year. A 7 kW system produces about 9,450 kWh in its first year, enough to offset 90% of the average U.S. household's electricity consumption.

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Solar ROI in Similar States

Ohio

NPV: $3,882 · Payback: 13yr
Rate: $14.2¢/kWh · #29 ranked

Kansas

NPV: $7,883 · Payback: 10yr
Rate: $13.8¢/kWh · #30 ranked

Virginia

NPV: $5,193 · Payback: 11yr
Rate: $13.2¢/kWh · #31 ranked

Alabama

NPV: $7,801 · Payback: 10yr
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Louisiana

NPV: $4,402 · Payback: 11yr
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Wisconsin

NPV: $5,029 · Payback: 11yr
Rate: $15.2¢/kWh · #33 ranked

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