MISSOULA, Mont. – Residents interested in solar energy can attend an informational meeting in Missoula to learn about solar policy and installation options. Climate Smart Missoula is hosting the event on July 1 at 5:15 pm, at Goodworks Place, 129 W Alder Street.

The session, featuring representatives from, Clearwater Credit Union, aims to educate locals on the best financial pathways for solar energy. Abby Huseth, Deputy Director of Climate Smart Missoula, emphasized the available choices. “There are different options, whether you have the ability to pay for the system all at once or not,” she said.

The meeting comes amid uncertainties in the solar power industry due to the proposed Big Beautiful Bill, which could reduce tax credits for solar panels. Clean energy advocate Ralph Walters will discuss his recent trip to Washington, D.C. and provide insights on how renewable energy credits are being discussed in Congress at the meeting.

Huseth highlighted the potential impact of losing tax credits, stating, “We know that if the tax credits go away, that could have a big impact on our local solar industry and the installers and all the jobs that they provide to our community.”

Despite these uncertainties, Huseth encouraged exploration of solar energy, noting the federal government’s current tax credit covering 30% of installation costs until at least the end 2025. “[Solar energy] has that appeal of saving folks’ money over the long term and being able to have some control over our energy prices,” she added.

The 45-minute program is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. on July 1 at the GoodWorks Place in downtown Missoula, located at 129 W Alder Street.