4 Best Solar Companies in Orchard Homes, MT (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 4 in Orchard Homes based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Orchard Homes, MT
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Orchard Homes homeowner saves $1,064/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 20, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Orchard Homes

Thinking of going solar but trying to figure out which solar company would be best for your needs? Although it can be hard to find a solar company, the search will pay off because going solar has many good benefits. One of the advantages of living in Orchard Homes is you have access to many of the best solar panel installation companies in the country.


Here, we’ll list out some of the best solar companies in Orchard Homes to make your choice much easier.We suggest shopping around to get quite a few quotes and comparing them to figure out which is the best installer for your home. To receive free, no-pressure quotes from the top solar panel companies in Orchard Homes, click the link below.

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Orchard Homes

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.2/5

PETES ELECTRIC

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://www.peteselec.com/
Address: 2407 Harve Ave W, Missoula, MT 59801
Phone: 4065433086
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Big Sky Solar & Wind

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: http://www.bigskysolar-mt.com/
Address: 1308 River St, Missoula, MT 59801
Phone: 4063605148
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.6/5

D.J.'s Electric, Inc.

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs

Website: http://www.djselectric.com/
Address: 201 Old Corvallis Rd, Hamilton, MT 59840
Phone: 4063631972
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Freedom Energy

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: http://www.gofreedomenergy.com/
Address: 2642 Whites Ln, Victor, MT 59875
Phone: 4062078181

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Orchard Homes

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Orchard Homes based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Orchard Homes


Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Montana solar companies

  • Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
  • Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
  • Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
  • Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
  • Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
  • Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
  • Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
  • Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.

The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Orchard Homes

The cost of installing a solar panel system has decreased immensely in the past several years, but it’s still a large investment for most homeowners.There are quite a few factors you should consider when trying to figure out costs and your potential savings, including:

  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to decrease your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state may also have incentives and rebates that you can use. Plus, you can save about $13,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, not including incentives.
  • System size and type: Some models are more pricy than others, so the one you get can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
  • The amount of sunlight your roof gets: Thanks to Orchard Homes’s high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your electric bills.
  • Electricity consumption: The average home in Orchard Homes uses a decent amount of, and as a result may save on their energy bills.

Solar is a valuable investment for most homeowners. You can generate your own energy instead of paying for it from a utility company and benefit from solar tax credits and rebates, all while helping protect the Earth.

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Solar Incentives in Orchard Homes

To increase the number of homes and businesses that use solar power, federal, state and local governments – and even some utility companies – offer incentives to help make solar power more affordable and accessible.Regardless of where you live, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which will let you claim 0 of how much you paid for your solar installation on your tax return, reducing the amount of taxes you owe that year. Additionally, there may be some local incentives that stack with the ITC too. Our article on solar incentives goes over more detailed information on the incentives you can take advantage of in Orchard Homes.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Orchard Homes

There are tons of reasons to trade traditional energy for solar power, like saving money on utility bills and helping to lower your carbon footprint.But how much can using solar energy instead of traditional energy actually affect the environment? The average person has a sizable carbon footprint. Between their car, which is responsible for over 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions a year, and powering their home, it can be overwhelming to think about what to do. Going solar is a simple thing you can do to help.Since solar panels don’t release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when producing electricity, they’re a good substitute for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 20 pounds each year. If you want to do your part for the environment, you’ll likely find that there are many good things about adopting solar power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is invaluable.

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Orchard Homes, MT Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the most reputable solar panel installer in Orchard Homes?

The top local solar company in Orchard Homes is PETES ELECTRIC, with a rating of 4.20 stars.

What are a few of the biggest pros and cons of adopting solar power?

The advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, in some cases, entirely eradicate your electricity bills, raise the value of your home and reduce your carbon footprint. The main disadvantages are that solar panels can be expensive to install, you may not see as many savings if you don’t use a lot of electricity and it doesn’t work for all roof types and locations.

Are solar panels worth it?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but admittedly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?

Solar panel capacity is how much energy the panels can generate under ideal conditions (a sunny day around noon). The average household requires between 20 and 35 panels to cover how much energy they need.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.