Montana vs North Dakota Solar Incentives: Which State Gets the Better Deal?
Side-by-side comparison of Montana and North Dakota solar incentive programs in 2026: state tax credits, net metering rules, exemptions, payback period, and projected 25-year savings.
| Metric | MT · Montana | ND · North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Monthly Bill | $110 | $115 |
| Peak Sun Hours / Day | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Avg $/Watt Installed | $2.95 | $2.95 |
| State Tax Credit | None | None |
| Net Metering | retail | avoided-cost |
| SREC Market | No | No |
| Property Tax Exempt | Yes | Yes |
| Sales Tax Exempt | No | No |
| Payback, pre-credit model (yrs) | 10 ◆ | 11.1 |
| 25-yr savings, pre-credit model | $25,600 ◆ | $22,600 |
Payback and 25-year savings were modeled while the federal residential credit applied. They are not a 2026 quote. The calculator uses $0 federal credit and state incentives only.
State Tax Credit Comparison
Montana offers no state income tax credit. North Dakota offers no state income tax credit.
Net Metering Policies
Montana: retail rate net metering active. North Dakota: avoided-cost rate net metering active.
Net metering is often the most economically significant solar policy because it determines how excess production is valued. Retail-rate states (where you receive full retail price for exported energy) have substantially better solar economics than avoided-cost or no-net-metering states.
Average 25-Year Savings
Montana: $25,600 over 25 years (avg payback 10 yrs). North Dakota: $22,600 over 25 years (avg payback 11.1 yrs).
Verdict: Which State Wins on Solar?
Montana edges out North Dakota on lifetime savings primarily due to more favorable net metering rules.
Note: state averages mask significant within-state variation. Your specific utility, roof orientation, and household electricity profile drive your actual numbers — use the calculator to model your home directly.