Is solar worth it in 59401 (Great Falls, MT)?

With an average payback period of 13.9 years and 25-year savings of $25,600, solar panels in Great Falls, Montana can be worthwhile with available incentives.

How much do solar panels cost in 59401?

The average cost of a 6kW residential solar system in Great Falls, Montana is $14,200 before incentives. The federal 30% Investment Tax Credit reduces this to about $9,940.

How much solar electricity does 59401 get?

Great Falls receives 4.83 kWh/m²/day of solar irradiance. A 6kW system in zip code 59401 produces approximately 8,462 kWh per year.

Solar Panel ROI in 59401

Great Falls, Montana — Is solar worth it here? Here's what the data says.

1.8x ROI Score

13.9 yrs Payback Period

$1,024/yr Annual Savings

$25,600 25-Year Savings

Your savings estimate

$ /mo bill

Annual savings $1,024

Payback 13.9 yrs

25-yr savings $25,600

Solar Calculator for 59401 (Great Falls)

Adjust values to see your personalized solar ROI estimate for Great Falls, Montana.

System Size

System Cost

Electricity Rate

$ /kWh

Solar Irradiance

4.83 kWh/m²/day

Based on NREL data for Great Falls, MT

ROI Score 1.8x

Annual Production 8,462 kWh

Annual Savings $1,024

Payback Period 13.9 years

25-Year Savings $25,600

After 30% ITC $9,940

Solar Data for 59401 – Great Falls, MT

Solar Irradiance 4.83 kWh/m²/day -2.6% vs national avg

vs Montana Avg -1% State avg: 4.71 kWh/m²/day

Electricity Rate $0.121/kWh Montana average rate

Annual Production 8,462 kWh 6kW system estimate

Great Falls receives 4.83 kWh/m²/day (2.6% below national avg). Despite $0.121/kWh electricity, the 13.9-year payback reflects regional challenges. The 30% federal ITC and state programs can significantly improve the ROI.

Solar Incentives for Great Falls, Montana

★

Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Claim 30% of your system cost as a federal tax credit. On a $14,200 system, that's $4,260 back.

★

Net Metering

Most Montana utilities offer net metering — sell excess electricity back to the grid at retail rates, accelerating your payback.

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Montana State Programs

Check with the Montana energy office for additional rebates, tax exemptions, and low-interest solar financing programs available in Great Falls.

59401 vs Montana Average

Solar Irradiance

59401: 4.83 MT avg: 4.71

Payback Period

59401: 13.9 yrs MT avg: 14.7 yrs

Annual Savings

59401: $1,024 MT avg: $968

25-Year Savings

59401: $25,600 MT avg: $24,200

See the full Montana solar guide for statewide data and incentives.

Nearby Zip Codes — Solar Comparison

59601 Helena, MT 1.8x ROI 13.7 yr payback 59101 Billings, MT 1.8x ROI 13.6 yr payback 83401 Idaho Falls, ID 1.6x ROI 15.8 yr payback 83201 Pocatello, ID 1.6x ROI 15.6 yr payback 99201 Spokane, WA 1.2x ROI 20.7 yr payback