Solar Panel Installation Great Falls MT: Building a More Resilient Home

Learn simple upgrades and smart energy strategies that help Great Falls homeowners take control of their energy bills and future-proof their homes.

Rising energy costs are making headlines across Montana, and Great Falls is no exception. In the Great Falls area, residents are seeing their electricity bills creep higher each year — a trend that shows no signs of slowing down.

As a result, more homeowners are looking for ways to make their homes more resilient. This goes beyond quick energy fixes — it’s about building a smarter, more efficient home that can handle whatever the future brings.

Whether you’re planning a major renovation or simply want to lower your utility bills, this guide offers practical ideas to help Great Falls homeowners take control of their energy costs and make their homes more resilient.

Why Energy Resilience Matters in Great Falls

Energy Prices Are Rising

Like many parts of Montana, Great Falls is facing increasing utility rates driven by grid modernization, rising demand, and fluctuating fuel costs. According to state reports, Montana residential electricity rates have climbed by nearly 14% in the past five years. The average price of electricity in Montana is now among the highest in the region, making it important for homeowners to consider cost-saving alternatives.

Weather Variability Affects Energy Use

Great Falls experiences wide temperature swings — from hot summer days to subzero winters. As a result, heating and cooling represent a major portion of household energy use. Energy usage fluctuates significantly with seasonal changes, making it important to understand your usage patterns when planning for energy efficiency. A more resilient home helps reduce reliance on expensive grid energy throughout these extremes.

Energy Independence Brings Peace of Mind

More homeowners are looking for ways to generate their own power and reduce dependency on the grid. Solutions like energy-efficient upgrades and solar panel installation in Great Falls MT help homeowners build greater energy independence and resilience.

Solar power offers a reliable way to reduce electricity bills, lower environmental impact, and achieve long-term energy independence.

Start With Energy Efficiency: The Foundation of Resilience

Improve Insulation and Air Sealing

Good insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce heating and cooling energy use. Adding insulation to attics, walls, and floors — combined with air sealing — helps your home maintain comfortable temperatures year-round.

Upgrade Windows and Doors

Old, leaky windows and doors can waste significant energy. Installing ENERGY STAR-rated windows and insulated exterior doors helps block heat loss in winter and reduce heat gain in summer.

Tune Up or Replace HVAC Systems

Heating and cooling systems account for roughly 50% of household energy use. Scheduling regular maintenance or upgrading to a high-efficiency heat pump or furnace can dramatically lower energy costs.

Switch to LED Lighting

Lighting accounts for about 10% of energy use in many homes. Replacing older bulbs with LEDs reduces lighting energy consumption by up to 75%.

Go Beyond Efficiency: Adding Renewable Energy and Storage

Why Solar Complements Efficiency Upgrades

Once your home is running efficiently, the next step toward resilience is generating your own clean power. Solar panels generate electricity by converting sunlight into usable energy, making use of a natural and abundant resource. Many Great Falls homeowners are exploring solar panel installation as a key part of this strategy.

Installing solar panels allows you to generate electricity on-site and offset a large portion of your utility bills. Homeowners should determine the appropriate system size based on their energy needs and available roof space, as system size directly impacts power generation and savings. The panel type you choose can also affect both the efficiency and cost of your solar system. When considering installation, it is important to select a reputable solar installer or installation company with a proven track record and positive reviews among local companies. Experienced solar installers in Great Falls, MT, and companies ensure the job is completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all regulations.

The entire process—from initial consultation, permitting, and design, to installation, grid connection, and post-installation maintenance—should be managed by a qualified installation company to ensure a smooth experience. Labor is a significant part of the total cost, so be sure to compare labor charges when evaluating different companies. The job should always be handled by licensed installers to guarantee safety and compliance. With federal tax credits and Montana’s net metering policy, solar has become more affordable and attractive than ever.

Solar energy offers significant advantages, including financial savings and environmental benefits. Installing solar panels is a smart way to save money on electricity bills over time. Modern solar systems are designed for longevity and are highly reliable, providing consistent performance for years to come. Homeowners can generally expect a strong return on investment and dependable system performance.

Consider Energy Storage for Maximum Resilience

Pairing solar with battery storage takes resilience even further. Batteries store excess solar energy for use during outages or peak demand times, giving homeowners more control over when and how they use power. Most grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during a power outage to protect utility workers, but with battery storage, you can have backup power available during such power outages.

While not required for every home, batteries are a smart option for those seeking greater energy independence and backup power.

Building a More Flexible, Smarter Energy Home

Install a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats automatically adjust heating and cooling based on your preferences and occupancy. They optimize energy use and can reduce HVAC-related energy consumption by 10% or more.

Use Smart Plugs and Appliances

Smart plugs and appliances help you monitor and manage energy use across your home. You can turn off devices remotely, schedule operation times, and identify energy hogs.

Monitor Whole-Home Energy Use

Many homeowners are installing whole-home energy monitors that provide real-time insights into energy use. This helps you identify savings opportunities and track the performance of energy upgrades.

How to Prioritize Your Upgrades

Step 1: Assess Current Energy Use

Start by reviewing your utility bills to understand your home’s energy patterns. An energy audit — either professional or DIY — can help pinpoint areas for improvement.

Step 2: Address Low-Cost Improvements First

Sealing leaks, upgrading lighting, and adjusting thermostat settings offer quick wins with minimal investment.

Step 3: Plan for Bigger Upgrades

Replacing windows, upgrading HVAC, and improving insulation deliver strong returns over time. Many homeowners tackle these projects in phases to spread out costs.

Step 4: Explore Renewable Energy Options

Once your home is efficient, adding solar helps lock in long-term savings and energy independence. Many Great Falls residents start exploring solar panel installation in Great Falls MT after completing core efficiency upgrades.

Some homeowners may also consider solar leases as an alternative to purchasing, allowing them to benefit from solar energy without the upfront costs. You can request a free quote for solar panel installation in Great Falls, and once your system is installed, you can enjoy free electricity from the sun for years to come.

Financial Incentives Help Make Resilience More Affordable

Federal Tax Credits

The 30% federal tax credit covers solar installation costs and battery storage. This significantly reduces upfront costs for homeowners pursuing renewable energy upgrades.

Montana Property Tax Exemptions

Montana offers a property tax exemption on the added value of residential solar installations, helping homeowners save even more.

Net Metering in Great Falls

Net metering allows homeowners to earn credits for excess solar energy sent to the grid. These credits offset future energy use, improving the return on solar investment.

Why Act Now?

Incentives Won’t Last Forever

While current incentives are generous, federal tax credits will eventually step down. Acting now locks in maximum savings.

Energy Prices Will Continue Rising

Delaying energy upgrades means continued exposure to higher utility bills. The sooner you invest in efficiency and renewable energy, the sooner you begin saving.

Resilience Is More Important Than Ever

As Montana’s energy landscape evolves, building a resilient home protects your family’s comfort, security, and financial stability.

How Ellingson Solar Can Help

Ellingson Solar works with Great Falls homeowners to design and install custom solar energy systems built for Montana’s unique climate. Their team helps each client understand all available incentives, maximize energy savings, and build homes that are ready for the future.

Ellingson Solar is committed to excellence in both solar panel installation and customer service, ensuring every project meets the highest standards.

They stand out in the Great Falls area for their expertise, reliability, and dedication to supporting clients throughout every step of the process.

Take the First Step Toward a Resilient Energy Future

Ready to make your home more energy resilient? Contact Ellingson Solar today to find out how we can help you with solar panel installation in Great Falls MT, and explore solar and energy-saving solutions designed for Great Falls homeowners — and start building a smarter, more affordable energy future.