Montana Net Metering Caps Home Solar Systems at 50 kW

Under Mont. Code Ann. 69-8-103(19), a qualifying net metering system runs on solar, wind, or hydropower and tops out at 50 kilowatts of generating capacity, sited on the customer-generator's premises. Section 69-8-602 forces public utilities to interconnect these systems using a single bidirectional kilowatt-hour meter and to bill customer-generators the same minimum monthly fee as others in their rate class. The Montana Public Service Commission administers the rules. Excess kilowatt-hour credits carry month to month but are surrendered to the utility each quarter without compensation under 69-8-603. Rural electric cooperatives fall outside the mandate.

There is no statewide permit or fee for the panels themselves; disputes over a regulated utility's refusal to interconnect or properly credit generation are resolved by the Montana Public Service Commission, which enforces Title 69.