Montana

Grade distribution

Overview

Montana has 56 counties tracked in the SitePath solar permitting index. 46 (82%) are graded A or B, meaning they present low to moderate permitting risk for utility-scale solar projects. 8 counties sit in the C range — moderate risk with meaningful process uncertainty. 2 counties are rated D or F (4%) — high to very high risk, often due to active moratoria, restrictive setback ordinances, or strong local opposition.

The most favorable jurisdictions in Montana include Broadwater County (grade A), Jefferson County (grade A), Sanders County (grade B). The most challenging include Yellowstone County (grade C), Gallatin County (grade D), Lewis and Clark County (grade D).

Montana's RPS framework (RPS 15%) has a mixed effect on local solar permitting: state incentives can accelerate projects, but county boards often act independently of state policy direction. No Montana counties currently have an active utility-scale solar moratorium.

All counties — sorted by risk score (best first)

About SitePath scoring

Every U.S. county is scored 0–100 on solar permitting risk (lower is friendlier to development). The grade is a weighted composite of compliance stringency, market saturation, regulatory trajectory, and data uncertainty. Every figure traces back to a primary government document. Read the full methodology →