Montana Net Metering Rates 2026
Montana solar exports are credited under full retail-rate net metering, worth roughly ~100% of retailof the retail electricity rate. Here's exactly how it works, which utilities offer it, and what it means for your payback.
How Net Metering Works in Montana
When your panels produce more electricity than your home is using, the surplus flows back onto the grid and your meter records the export. Montana utilities credit those exported kilowatt-hours at the full retail price you pay for grid electricity. You draw that credit back down at night or on cloudy days, so you only pay for your net consumption across the billing cycle.
Because Montana mandates net metering, a correctly sized system can push net annual electricity costs close to zero for many MT homeowners.
What It's Worth: ~100% of retail of Retail
The single biggest driver of solar payback is how much your utility pays for exported energy. Montana's full retail-rate crediting is the most valuable structure available — every exported kWh offsets a kWh you'd otherwise buy at full price.
The average MT homeowner reaches payback in 10 years and nets $25,600 over 25 years with these rules in effect.
Montana Utilities Offering Net Metering
The major utilities operating in Montana are NorthWestern Energy, MDU. Net metering terms — true-up dates, monthly fees, and credit carryover — vary by provider, so confirm the current tariff with your specific utility before signing an installation contract.
Montana Net Metering FAQ
What will net metering save you in Montana?
Our calculator factors Montana's full retail-rate net metering into your payback and 25-year savings — using your actual electric bill.