5 Best Solar Companies in Billings, MT (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 5 in Billings based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Billings, MT
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Billings homeowner saves $1,328/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Billings
When looking for the best solar companies in Billings, going through all the options can be demanding, but it can pay off since adopting solar power can offer so many good benefits. One of the advantages of residing in Billings is you have access to many of the best solar panels and services in the U.S.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the top Billings solar installers so you can make the best choice for your home’s solar energy needs.Continue reading to see our picks for the best solar companies in the city, or get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area right away by clicking the button below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Billings
Tounsley Electric Inc.
Informative Resources- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Cleaning and Maintenance- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
Big Sky Solar Wind
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Billings Metal Roofing and Solar Power
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
Purelight Power of Laurel
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
First Light Solar LLC
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Billings
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Billings based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Billings
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Montana solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Billings
When choosing a solar company, most homeowners or business owners think about the costs above all.There are quite a few factors you should consider when trying to figure out the overall cost and how much you can save, including:
- Incentives: Something that can reduce the cost of your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the project cost. You can also save a decent amount of money on your utility bills, which can result in an average of $17,000 of savings over 20 years.
- The kind of solar panels you can purchase: This is dependent on your income and budget.
- Average daily sunlight: Since Billings gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally generate enough energy to power your whole home, which impacts how much you can save on your energy bills.
- How much energy your household consumes: Households that use plenty of power each month may call for more solar panels and, therefore, be more costly, but will also save more on their energy bills over time.
Solar is a valuable investment for most homeowners. You can produce your own energy instead of paying for it from the grid and make use of solar tax credits and rebates, all while helping protect the environment.
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Solar Incentives in Billings
In order to increase the adoption of solar power, incentives are offered by the government – and even some utility companies – to help make solar power more economically viable and accessible.Local solar incentive programs vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for home solar power systems, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for in Billings.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Billings
If you’re considering adding solar panels to your home, one of the principal reasons why may be to lower your carbon dioxide emissions.But you may be wondering – how much exactly can you help the planet by making the switch to solar? The more energy you use, the the more the environment will benefit from you switching to solar since you won’t need to use as much nonrenewable energy.In fact, if you install solar panels, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 10 pounds each year. If you care about the environment, you’ll likely get that there are many advantages to adopting solar power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is invaluable.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Billings, MT Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar power company is the best near me?
In Billings, Tounsley Electric Inc. is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your roof.
What are a few of the biggest pros and cons of installing solar panels?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lets you spend less on your power bills, it’s good for the environment, and it can provide a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t work as well when there’s limited direct sunlight, they cost a lot upfront and solar panels aren’t always aesthetically pleasing.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 14.6 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The more your typical energy bill, the faster your solar panel system will pay for itself.
When should I install solar panels?
Despite summer being the most popular time people install solar panels, the optimal time is actually winter. You can save money since there's less demand during the winter months, and it allows you to be up and running with solar for the more expensive power bills you may get during the summer.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.