North Dakota vs Montana Solar Incentives: Which State Gets the Better Deal?
Side-by-side comparison of North Dakota and Montana solar incentive programs in 2026: state tax credits, net metering rules, exemptions, payback period, and projected 25-year savings.
| Metric | ND · North Dakota | MT · Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Monthly Bill | $115 | $110 |
| Peak Sun Hours / Day | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Avg $/Watt Installed | $2.95 | $2.95 |
| State Tax Credit | None | None |
| Net Metering | avoided-cost | retail |
| SREC Market | No | No |
| Property Tax Exempt | Yes | Yes |
| Sales Tax Exempt | No | No |
| Avg Payback (yrs) | 11.1 | 10 ◆ |
| Avg 25-Year Savings | $22,600 | $25,600 ◆ |
State Tax Credit Comparison
North Dakota offers no state income tax credit. Montana offers no state income tax credit.
Net Metering Policies
North Dakota: avoided-cost rate net metering active. Montana: retail 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
North Dakota: $22,600 over 25 years (avg payback 11.1 yrs). Montana: $25,600 over 25 years (avg payback 10 yrs).
Verdict: Which State Wins on Solar?
Montana delivers stronger lifetime solar economics than North Dakota 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.