Incentives

Intro

Energy-efficient upgrades and sustainable practices often have upfront costs that often discourage homeowners from making energy-efficient upgrades. However, there are a variety of incentives that can make these upgrades more accessible and affordable. We have outlined the current incentives for energy, water, and transportation upgrades. As new incentives become available, we will update this page.

Big Sky Energy Audit Incentive Program

Reduce Your Home Energy Use with an Energy Audit Starting at Just $50

An energy audit is a whole-home inspection by a certified professional to find where your house is losing energy—and how to fix it.

Subsidy Structure
Initial Cost for Audit:
● <1,500 sq. ft. ~$50
● 1,500-3,000 sq. ft. ~$125
● 3,000-5,000 sq. ft. ~$200
● >5,000 sq. ft. ~$750

This is a program of Big Sky SNO funded by the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation.

Eligibility Criteria
● Property must be occupied by FULL TIME RESIDENTS
● RENTERS + OWNERS eligible
● Home is a PRIMARY RESIDENCE
● Within the Big Sky Area Boundary Map

Book Today

Our Audit Partner

All audits will be conducted by James Childre of RedPoint LLC. With 10+ years of experience and over 3,500 property inspections performed, James is a seasoned professional home inspector who brings his extensive knowledge of building science to the Gallatin Valley. His education and attention to detail guarantee a professional and thorough report that is thoughtfully organized and easy to
understand for all home buyers.

Use of advanced building diagnostic tools, as well as a commitment to following the high standards set by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), makes James one of the premier property inspectors in Bozeman and Gallatin Valley area.

What You Get with an Energy Audit

Home Visit with a Professional Auditor: A certified energy professional will assess your home’s building envelope, mechanical systems, and more.

Blower Door Test: A blower door is an invaluable diagnostic tool that depressurizes your home to measure air leaks. High air infiltration means conditioned air escapes easily, making your home less efficient and less comfortable.

Thermal Imaging: Infrared technology helps detect hidden drafts and air leaks behind walls, around windows and doors, and in insulation gaps.

Heating & Cooling System Assessment: Your furnace, boiler, air conditioner, or heat pump will be evaluated for efficiency, function, and potential improvements.

Personalized Report with Recommendations: After the audit, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining: Where and how your home is losing energy, Practical and often low- or no-cost fixes, Projected savings on utility bills, Information on available rebates or incentives.

Energy

Federal

Residential
Tax credits for energy efficient home upgrades like appliances, solar panels, EV chargers, and heat pumps.

Home Energy Tax Credits
Tax credits for energy-saving home improvements such as insulation, HVAC systems, windows, and renewable energy for homeowners and, in some cases, renters.

Residential Home Energy Rebates*
A future program that will offer rebates for energy efficent upgrades to make green energy more affordable.

Commercial
USDA REAP
Grants and loans for rural businesses to install renewable energy systems a improve energy efficiency.

Nonprofit
IRA Elective/Direct Pay Programs
Direct payments for energy-efficiency projects and installations are available to tax-exempt organizations.

State

Residential
AERLP
Low-interest loans for Montana residents to install renewable energy systems.

Weatherization Assistance Program
Available for low-income households to make weatherization upgrades such as insulation, sealing, and HVAC upgrades.

MT Energy Rebates
(Coming in 2025)A future program that will offer rebates for energy-efficient improvements such as appliances, renewable energy installations, and home retrofits.

Commercial
C-PACE
Financing for renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades.

Public Entities
Energy Performance Contracting (EPC)
Funding available to public entities for energy-saving projects and in some cases financing that can be repaid by energy savings.

Regional

Residential
Northwestern Energy Rebates and Incentives
Incentives for energy-efficient upgrades.

Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program


Eligible technologies: solar PV, solar thermal, wind, micro-hydro, geothermal, certified pellet/wood stoves. 

The Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program (AERLP) provides zero-down, low-interest loans of up to $40,000 to individuals, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government entities in order to increase investments in alternative energy systems and energy conservation measures in Montana. 

The program, which is managed by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality’s Energy Office, has financed more than 500 renewable energy installations across the state since its first loan in 2003 for an off-grid solar array in Belt. Eligible technologies include solar PV, solar thermal, geothermal, EPA-certified low-emission pellet or wood stoves, wind, and micro-hydro. Energy conservation measures may be included in a loan when installed in conjunction with an alternative energy system. For program terms and an application form, click here.

*MT DEQ is responsible for rolling out Montana’s Inflation Reduction Act Home Efficiency Rebate Program and the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Program. Both programs are income based. For the latest information, go to the DEQ website under Energy/Financial and Incentive Programs/Residential Energy Efficiency Rebates.

Water

Federal

Residential
none

Commercial
none

State

Residential
none

Commercial
none

Regional

Residential
GRTF Indoor Rebates
Cash rebates for water-saving, energy-efficient indoor upgrades like faucets, washers, and toilets.

GRTF Outdoor Rebates
Rebates for water-saving outdoor upgrades like smart irrigation systems and drought-tolerant landscaping.

Commercial
GRTF Indoor Rebates
GRTF Outdoor Rebates

Vehicles

Federal

Federal Tax Credit
Tax credits for electric vehicles and charging equipment.

State

Regional