3 Best Solar Companies in Billings, MT (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 3 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
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Best Solar Companies in Billings
When looking for the best solar companies in Billings, digging through hundreds of options can be daunting, 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 some of the best solar panel installation companies in the U.S.
In this article, we’ll help you narrow down the top options in your area.To get free quotes from the leading solar companies in Billings, click the "get quote" button below.
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Billings
Tounsley Electric Inc.
Free Quotes- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Consultation- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Purelight Power of Laurel
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Consultation
First Light Solar LLC
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
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
The cost of installing a solar panel system has decreased greatly in the past several years, but it’s still a large investment for most homeowners.The installation cost is just one important factor you should bear in mind when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things 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 model of solar panel system you have the money for: This depends on how much you’re willing to invest upfront.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: This, plus your roof configuration, affects affect how much electricity your solar panels can produce.
- How much energy you use: If your family needs to use a lot of energy, you'll benefit more from switching to solar.
Though a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, such as the angle of your roof and incentives.
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Solar Incentives in Billings
There are a lot of reasons why going solar is a great investment. One of them includes some government incentives you can take advantage of.Regardless of what state you live in, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which will let you claim 0 of how much you paid for your solar installation on your tax return, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. Additionally, there may be some local incentives that stack with the ITC too. Our article on solar incentives goes over more information on the incentives you can take advantage of in Billings.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Billings
One of the most compelling reasons to tap into solar power is to reduce your dependence on nonrenewable energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are harmful for the environment.Something many might have in mind is how much can they really help protect the environment by switching to solar power anyway? 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.
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 looking to install solar panels on your house.
What are the pros and cons of adopting solar power?
The biggest advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, for some, entirely cut your electricity bills, raise the value of your home and cut back on your carbon footprint. The greatest disadvantages are that solar panels can be expensive to install, you may not see as many savings if you don’t use a lot of electricity and it doesn’t work for all roof types and locations.
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 depend on your utility costs. The more your typical energy bill, the faster your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
When should I install solar panels?
Although summer is the most popular time people install solar panels, the perfect time is actually winter. You can save money since there's decreased demand during the winter months, and it lets you be up and running with solar for the higher 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.