Solar in Montana

Solar Landscape in Montana

Montana's electricity market is served primarily by NorthWestern Energy, the state's largest investor-owned utility serving approximately 376,000 electric customers across the state. Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU) serves a smaller portion of eastern Montana. Both utilities offer net metering for systems up to 50 kW.

NorthWestern Energy has been involved in ongoing rate cases, with the Montana Public Service Commission issuing its most recent ruling on the company's rate request in December 2025. The utility maintains a monthly customer charge that cannot be offset by solar generation.

Permitting

Solar permitting in Montana follows state building code requirements administered by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). If the installer is a licensed electrical contractor, they apply for an electrical permit specifying solar on the application. If the installer is not an electrician, they must submit an application for an alternate energy permit.

Montana does not have widespread SolarAPP+ adoption. Permitting timelines are generally moderate, ranging from 1 to 3 weeks depending on the jurisdiction. Rural areas may have simpler permitting processes compared to urban centers like Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls.

Montana has a solar rights law that generally prevents HOAs from banning solar energy systems. Property owners may also establish solar easements to protect their access to sunlight.

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