The Montana Solar Shares Act would allow for multiple households, buildings, or businesses to share a single solar array. Participating customers could individually purchase shares of the larger solar array, and each month they would receive a credit on their power bill equal to the shares of the energy generated.
Right now, Montanans don’t have the freedom to choose the energy they want because they are burdened with twentieth century regulations for a twenty-first century technology. Current state regulations prevent us from accessing low cost energy that could help ease energy costs for Montanans all across the state. A Montana Solar Shares program would provide a remedy for that. It would be available to everyone including businesses, homeowners, and renters. We all deserve the freedom to choose low cost energy, and enabling a Montana Solar Shares program makes that freedom possible!
Key Points:
- This is a tried and tested program. Solar Shares programs are already enabled in 21 states, plus Washington, DC. Nine rural electric co-ops in Montana already enjoy the benefit of similar programs – each of which see incredible demand for subscriptions.
- This program is 100% voluntary. A Montana Solar Shares program would be fully voluntary on the part of the utilities and the energy customers. Montana’s utilities can choose whether or not to operate a Solar Shares project, and customers can choose whether or not they would like to participate.
- Customers can choose how large a share they want to purchase. As an example, if a customer decides to purchase a 15% share of a participating solar project, their energy bill at the end of the month would reflect a credit equal to 15% of the energy generated from the project.
- Utilities, non-profits, and for-profit businesses can operate these solar facilities. In addition to Montana utilities being able to build and run a solar shares program, SB 188 would enable private and public partnerships, non-profits, or for-profit businesses to build solar shares facilities, sign up subscribers, and connect those facilities to the utility grid.
This program is accessible to all. Many Montanans don’t have the means to install their own rooftop solar array. A Solar Shares program allows those who rent or who don’t have a roof suitable for solar the freedom to access this cost-saving program.
Click here for answers to the most frequently asked questions about a Montana Solar Shares program.