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When the Grid Goes Down, Will Your Solar Keep Working?

When the power goes out in Montana, solar panels alone will not keep your lights on. An energy storage system—often called battery backup—can store electricity for use when the grid is unavailable, helping keep critical systems running at homes and businesses. From winter storms and rural outages to wells, refrigeration and essential business operations, energy storage can add another layer of resilience. Here’s how solar battery backup works, and what Montana property owners should consider before investing in energy storage.

October 22, 2026

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What Does a Decade of Solar Look Like for a Montana Nonprofit?

What does more than a decade of solar look like for a Montana nonprofit? ☀️ For Eagle Mount in Bozeman, it looks like three generations of solar—and an ongoing strategy to manage energy costs so more resources can stay focused on its mission. We’re taking a look at Eagle Mount’s latest expansion, why they’ve continued investing in solar, and what other Montana nonprofits and organizations can learn from their experience. Read the story and explore the full Eagle Mount case study.

When Montana's Energy Demand Peaks, Solar Is Already Working

Every summer, Montana's electric grid experiences periods of higher demand as homes, businesses, and agricultural operations use more electricity to stay comfortable and productive. While these peak demand periods only occur during certain hours of the day, they place additional stress on the electrical system and can contribute to higher energy costs. Fortunately, distributed solar energy is uniquely positioned to help during many of these high-demand hours by producing electricity when the sun is strongest. Paired with battery storage, solar can also provide backup power and greater resilience during outages or wildfire-related disruptions. Here's why understanding peak demand matters—and how investing in local energy generation can benefit both your property and your community.

Off Grid Solar Blog

Off-Grid Solar in Montana: Built by People Who've Actually Lived It

Looking for an off-grid solar system in Montana? Learn how OnSite Energy designs reliable off-grid solar and battery systems for cabins, ranches, remote homes, and businesses throughout Bozeman, Missoula, and beyond.

Montana's Energy Future: Why Businesses Are Taking Greater Control of Their Power

Montana's energy landscape is changing. Across the country, growing electricity demand, aging infrastructure, extreme weather events, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are creating new challenges for utilities, businesses, and communities alike. While much of the public conversation focuses on policy and politics, many organizations are asking a more practical question: How can we create greater certainty around future energy costs? Increasingly, commercial solar and energy storage are becoming part of the answer. By generating power on-site and improving control over energy consumption, businesses can reduce risk, improve resilience, and better position themselves for the future. Here's why more Montana organizations are viewing energy as a strategic asset—and taking greater control of their power.

Summer Storm in Montana with words are you storm ready

Is Your Home or Business Ready for Summer Storm Season?

Summer in Montana brings beautiful weather, but it also brings wildfire risk, severe storms, and unexpected power outages that can impact homes, ranches, and businesses across the state. In this month’s blog, the OnSite Energy team shares real-world stories about helping Montana property owners prepare for emergencies with backup power, solar, battery storage, and electrical upgrades. From supporting a homeowner who needed reliable power for their water well pump during wildfire season to partnering with conservation-focused organizations and community projects like Habitat for Humanity Missolua, this article explores how energy resilience is becoming increasingly important across Montana. Learn how proactive planning before peak summer weather can help protect your property, improve reliability, and provide peace of mind when conditions become unpredictable.

Why are energy costs rising and what can you do about it

Why Energy Costs Are Rising in 2026 — And What Montana Homes & Businesses Can Do About It

Energy costs are rising—and Montana homes and businesses are feeling it. Driven by fuel price changes, increased demand, infrastructure upgrades, and unpredictable weather, energy bills are becoming less predictable and more expensive. The good news: there are practical ways to take control. From improving efficiency to exploring solar and on-site energy solutions, you can reduce reliance on the grid and create more stable, long-term energy costs.

Montana homeowner solar array

Montana Homeowner Chooses Solar + Battery for Resilience and Peace of Mind

What happens when the power goes out in rural Montana? For one homeowner, it meant rethinking energy entirely. By installing solar and battery storage, he transformed his property into a resilient, self-powered system—capable of keeping the lights on, water flowing, and heat running even during extended outages. This case study explores how clean energy can deliver more than savings—it can provide true peace of mind.

Why Starting Your Solar Project in Winter is the Smartest Choice for Montana Homes and Businesses

Discover why winter is the perfect time to plan your solar installation in Montana. Learn how early planning maximizes summer production, avoids spring delays, and how energy storage adds resilience during outages — all while taking advantage of our limited-time Winter Watts $750 incentive.

14 years of OnSite Energy

Celebrating 14 years of OnSite Energy — Montana’s full-service solar company specializing in grid-tied and off-grid systems, long-term service, and Certified B Corp leadership.