Solar Energy

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Missoula County recognizes the value of solar energy and is committed to increasing residential and commercial access to solar resources. In recognition of the county’s efforts to make it easier, and more affordable to install solar energy systems, Missoula County has been awarded SolSmart Gold Designation. SolSmart is a U.S. Department of Energy program that recognizes communities that are “open for solar business.” In addition to encouraging county residents and businesses to consider solar energy, Missoula County is actively pursuing solar installations on county-owned buildings.

Missoula County is also a proud participant in the three community solar projects that have been developed by the Missoula Electric Cooperative in Lolo, Frenchtown, and Bonner.

Detention Facility Solar Array

The solar array at the Missoula County Detention Facility, the largest rooftop array in the state, consists of 1,152 solar panels and has a total capacity of 432 kilowatts, which is enough to power about 50 households. The array was installed by OnSite Energy over the course of three months.

How does the financing structure for the array work, and how does it affect taxpayers?

The County is not purchasing the array upfront. It was installed through a public/private partnership where the array is owned by a private investor, and the County will pay the investor for the power produced. This partnership allows the private investor to take advantage of a federal solar tax credit (worth 26% of the cost of the array), reducing costs to the County. After five years, the County plans to buy the array from the investor at a depreciated rate. Overall, the County expects to save nearly $400,000 over the 25-year lifetime of the solar array compared to what we would have otherwise paid in electricity bills at the Detention Facility.

How much energy will the array save? How long will it last?

Why did Missoula County want to install this array?

Does the County have plans to install solar panels on other County buildings?

How will the solar array work in the winter months when there’s not as much sunlight?

Solar Resources for Missoula County Residents and Businesses

Missoula County has partnered with Climate Smart Missoula, the Montana Renewable Energy Association, and other local organizations on the Solar-Ease Program to make solar easy for local residents and businesses. Check out the Solar-Ease webpage for tons of informational resources and helpful videos.

Find a local solar contractor through the Montana Renewable Energy Association's Installer Director

Missoula County permitting requirements for solar energy systems:
- Roof-mounted Solar Energy Permitting Checklist (residential and commercial)
- Pole- or Ground-mounted Solar Energy Permitting Checklist (residential and commercial)
Financing and Incentives

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