FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Does OnSite operate services throughout Montana?
Yes! OnSite offers solar design, installation, and maintenance services across Montana. OnSite Energy has been working with Montanans across the state since 2012 to power their homes and businesses with solar energy. We are passionate about reaching communities in Montana to connect them with a smarter way to power their lives.
Where is OnSite located?
OnSite is locally owned and operated out of Bozeman and Missoula, but we install projects just about anywhere under the Big Sky Country. Whether you are west or east of the divide, the OnSite team connects Montanans to reach their solar energy goals.
Why should I choose OnSite Energy for my solar needs?
- We're local, reliable and experienced. OnSite Energy has been locally owned and operated for over a decade. We've installed over 400 solar PV projects throughout Montana, totaling over 6.5 megawatts of DC system capacity, including some of the largest projects in the state.
- We're a Certified B Corporation. Being a certified B Corp means valuing your workers, customers, environment, and community as much as your profits- and having corporate governance that keeps those values in place. We work hard every day to meet high verified standards of social and environmental impact, and we truly believe that business should be a force for good.
- We stand by our work. In addition to product warranties, we offer a 15-year workmanship warranty on all of our projects. We have a dedicated Service Team and are committed to helping troubleshoot any issues that may come up as quickly as possible.
- We're credentialed professionals. We have 5 NABCEP Certified Solar PV Professionals on staff, as well as an in-house Professional Engineer and Master, Journeyman and Apprentice Electricians. We're a NorthWestern Energy Qualified Renewable Energy Installer as well as a Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer.
What is the fastest way to get an estimate for solar on my home or business?
Please fill out the New Project Questionnaire here. A member of our sales team will look over your information and be in touch shortly.
Does solar make sense in northern states with long harsh winters?
Yes! Despite its reputation for long snowy winters, over the course of the year Montana's solar resource is actually 26 percent greater than the national average. A well designed system that uses high quality equipment is engineered to handle all the elements, and environmental considerations are carefully factored into every custom solar system project. Grid-tied net-metered systems are designed to overproduce in the summer to save up on kWh credits that can then be used during the low-production winter days. Long story short, you can absolutely install a solar system in Montana that will offset your energy use and have a good return on investment, even if there is some snow on your array for parts of the winter.
Why is solar a good investment?
Lock in your electricity rates. As you know, utility energy rates increase annually and will continue to do so. When you invest in solar, you secure your electricity costs at their current rate and hedge against future increases.
Increase your home's market value. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), your home value increases $20 for every $1 reduction in annual utility bills. According to Zillow, solar adds just over 4% to your home value. All of these breakdowns can vary by state, but the trend is clear: solar will add value to your home in more ways than one!
What is net metering?
Net metering is a bi-directional accounting mechanism used by the utility that allows solar customers to be credited for any extra kilowatt hours (kWh) that they add to the grid, but also pull energy from the grid when their solar system is not producing. The way it works is that during the day when your solar array is producing, the energy will first be used to power your home or business. Any extra kWh that is not needed on site will flow back onto the grid to be used by the closest demand, and be credited onto your account for later use.
In Montana, the current net metering rate is a 1:1 retail value, meaning you are credited at the same rate for any kWh that your system supplies to the grid as you are charged when you pull from the grid. NorthWestern Energy has a size cap for net-metered systems of 50kW, and the size cap for the electrical co-ops varies from 10-20kW (ask your sales representative for specific information about your electrical coop).
Read more about net metering in Montana here.
Do you offer battery storage?
Yes! OnSite Energy is a Telsa Powerwall Certified Installer in addition to other storage products.
Battery back up, also known as an Energy Storage System (ESS), can be a great way to achieve your energy goals, add peace of mind during grid outages, and give you the ability to use the energy your solar system produces at night. The way it works is that any additional kilowatt hours (kWh) that your solar system produces during the day will be stored in your ESS. When the sun goes down or during a grid outage, the ESS will automatically power some or all of your home depending on system size and electrical consumption needs.
If you are interested in an ESS, your sales representative will work with you to understand your energy consumption and backup goals. For example, instead of powering all of the appliances in your home during a blackout, you can choose certain "critical loads" to stay powered (such as the fridge) while automatically shedding non-critical loads. This will allow you to have backup power for longer during an outage in the most efficient, cost effective way that is tailored to your custom needs.
What financial incentives are available to me?
Your sales representative will be happy to go over these options with you and discuss what might be the best fit for your project.
- Residential and commercial customers are eligible for the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) at the 30% rate through 2033. This applies to battery storage customers as well, both as a retrofit or a stand alone storage system. Read more about the solar ITC here.
- Non-profits and government owned/public buildings may be eligible for the NorthWestern Energy E+ Renewable Energy Program grant funding.
- Rural small businesses and ag producers may be eligible for the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems grant funding.
- Commercial customers may be eligible for Commercial Property Assessed Capital Enhancement "C-PACE" financing that allows customers to pay off a loan directly through their property taxes.
What financing options are available to me?
Two great financing options that are popular with our clients include the Montana DEQ Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program and Clearwater Credit Union Home Energy Loans.
Your sales representative will be happy to go over these options with you and discuss what might be the best fit for your project.
Does OnSite Energy design and install residential projects, commercial projects, or both?
We design and install the full array of project sizes ranging from small scale residential, commercial to industrial applications. Please check out our Projects page to learn more and see some examples!
Does OnSite Energy take on off-grid projects?
At the moment we do not offer off-grid services, but feel free to ask one of our sales representatives about it and we can try to connect you with the right resources.
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