Solar panels help their owners reduce their electricity bills even in the northern states of America. To make your switch to solar easier, take advantage of solar incentives in Montana.
The US government wants more people to go solar: it’s a modern and green way of getting energy. This is why the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) program was developed. It allows American citizens to claim 30% of the cost of their installation as an income tax deduction. The cost here is not only solar panels but also shipping, installation expenses and more. For example, if your system overall made you spend $10,000, the government returns you $3,000. To claim the ITC, complete all the necessary forms and submit them when filing your taxes.
Solar laws in Montana make net metering programs available to customers of all investor-owned utilities. Also, a draft net metering agreement has been signed by most electric cooperatives in Montana. The program gives households an opportunity to send the excess electricity back to the grid instead of storing it with battery banks.
When you sell your solar power to the utility, you receive credits that can be used to offset your next bills. In Montana, their value is equal to the full retail electricity price. If you accumulate any unused credits, they will expire at the beginning of the year, either in January, April, July or October. The customer gets to choose when the cycle starts.
Renewable Energy Credits are certificates granted to any person or entity upon generation of each Megawatt-hour of clean electricity. Unlike with net metering, you don’t need to sell any electricity to get credits. The value of RECs is always changing, which makes them similar to stock market assets. Based on the available data, selling RECs could mean anywhere from $300 to $1,000 annually for a 10kW solar system.
To participate, you have to apply for certification from the Montana Public Service Commission. After that, you can create a REC account with Western Renewable Energy Generation Information System (WREGIS) or Midwest Renewable Energy Tracking System (M-RETS) to begin storing and selling your credits.
The AERPL program allows homeowners in Montana to take a 10-year loan to cover costs associated with acquiring an alternative energy system. The loan amount is limited to $40,000 and no down payment is required. All proposals are assessed and approved by the Department of Environmental Quality. The projects are then ranked according to such criteria as reliability, return on investment (ROI) and avoided fossil fuel consumption. Use the AERLP checklist to get ready and apply.
3.5%
AERLP interest rate
In Montana, you don't have to pay extra taxes for having a solar system during the first few years. According to state laws, 100% of the value added as a result of a solar PV system installation shall be exempt from taxation for 10 full assessment years. The maximum amount of added value to be exempt is limited to $20,000. To claim the exemption, use Form AB-14.
4%
this is how much solar panels increase the value of your house
A solar easement contract is a written agreement between you and another party, for example, your neighbor. This type of contract helps to protect a reliable supply of sunlight for your solar panels. A solar easement guards your panels from potential impairments, such as vegetation and structures. It is voluntary and must contain the description of protected space, a list of restrictions and a clause on revision or termination of the contract. Once signed, it is tied to the land, not the owner. Any such agreement must be created in written form and must meet the general requirements for easements on real property.
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Years of experience in translation and a love of nature help Julia find the right words to encourage going solar. She joined the team in 2023 and is happy to make her contribution to a greener future.
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