NorthWestern Energy Net Metering Policy
How NorthWestern Energy compensates solar customers for excess energy in Montana.
Policy Rating
You are credited at the full retail rate for every kWh you export. This maximizes your solar ROI.
How Net Metering Affects Your Solar Payback
With Full Retail net metering at NorthWestern Energy, here's how your solar economics look for a typical $150/month bill:
Note: With avoided-cost net metering, savings may be 20–30% lower than shown since exported power is credited below retail rate.
Understanding Net Metering
What is net metering? Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar owners for electricity exported to the grid. When your panels produce more than you use, the excess flows to the grid and your meter runs backward.
Compensation: Full retail rate. The credit rate determines how quickly you recover your investment.
Capacity limit: No overall limit. Systems larger than the capacity limit may be subject to different rules.
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