Clearwater Credit Union is Montana’s leading solar loan lender and a key player in building Montana’s clean energy economy.
Our clean energy loan options can help make your home more energy efficient and comfortable for the whole family.
Investing in solar panels means lower utility bills for you and lower greenhouse gas emissions for the environment.
IMPORTANT: Please note that Clearwater will file a Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) lien on your solar equipment.
Loan financing covers
Loan Terms
APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rates effective as of
| Term | APR | Min Amount | Max Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 - 240 months | 7.26% - 7.55% | $5,000 | $75,000 |
All loans subject to approval. Payment Examples: $10,035 loan for 60 months will have a 7.40% APR with a monthly payment of $198.74. $10,035 with a 240 month term with a rate of 7.30% APR your monthly payment will be $79.34
Clearwater’s unsecured Energy Efficiency Loan helps you lower your utility bills, increase your family’s comfort, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
IMPORTANT: Please note an energy efficiency loan is a personal loan, not a mortgage loan secured by your home.
Loan Terms
APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rates effective as of
| Term | APR | Min Amount | Max Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 Months | 6.90% - 8.90% | —— | $25,000 |
All loans subject to approval. Payment Example: $10,000 loan for 120 months will have a monthly payment of $116, depending upon creditworthiness.
Check out our helpful homeowner guide for a broad understanding of the economic performance of home solar and the factors that affect it. The guide offers you an assessment framework to help you evaluate if solar energy is right for you.
In addition to the design and installation, solar energy systems require permitting, inspection, and net metering agreements. Some locations may also require building permits and structural inspection.
Key Question
Does the bid cover everything needed to get your system on grid and generating electricity?
Your site’s specifics, such as roof angle and shading, will affect electricity production. You may also want to know how much your system will offset your electric use.
Key Questions
Does the bid include:
Be sure you look for a written warranty that covers the system components and workmanship. Panel warranties are generally similar, but inverter warranties vary, and the placement cost can be significant.
Key Question
Does the warranty cover your panels, inverter, and the workmanship?
You’ll want to ensure you know the total price of the system (not just the monthly payments) and that the prices given include both before and after available tax credits.
Key Questions
Although it’s not necessary, solar-specific training and certifications are an indicator of installer experience and quality. NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certification is becoming the industry standard, but others exist as well.
Key Question
Does the installer hold any solar-specific certifications?
Solar panel manufacturers are grouped into three tiers based on their size and length of time in the marketplace. Tier 1 companies are generally considered the most reliable, followed by Tiers 2 and 3.
Key Question
What tier are the panels in your bid from?
Use this comparison worksheet to review bids from solar contractors to make apples-to-apples comparisons.
