Project Name: Montana Community-Scale Solar Strategy Project
Funding Opportunity: Solar Energy Evolution and Diffusion Studies 2 – State Energy Strategies (SEEDS2-SES)
SunShot Subprogram: Soft Costs
Location: Helena, MT
SunShot Award Amount: $380,000
Awardee Cost Share: $95,000

This project is developing a cost-effective, community solar energy strategy for Montana that will expand access to solar energy. The project aims to develop model community solar projects that will be promoted across the state in a manner to meet the needs of interested consumers and communities, as well as electric utilities or cooperatives.

APPROACH

The project team engages stakeholders in order to form a strong partnership with other interested parties in Montana and to learn from recent progress in developing community solar projects. These engagements will help inform and develop model community solar initiatives and an overarching community solar strategy for Montana. Additionally, the team will work with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to conduct modeling analyses of Montana’s solar resources and infrastructure to determine potential areas for increased solar development in the state.

INNOVATION

This project will make it easier for people in Montana to choose solar energy, work with interested communities to help them navigate the key planning and development decisions, and provide strategic support as communities identify, scope, and implement community solar projects. The end result will be 30 new community solar projects, representing 10 megawatts of new solar energy capacity.