The rooftop solar installation includes 1,152 individual panels and was purchased with a unique public-private financing system that shifted much of the initial costs to a private energy company.

“It’s important to note that this biggest solar array in the state was done without a complementary large outlay of taxpayer money,” said Missoula County Commissioner Josh Slotnick.

The installation is expected to last 25 years and save the county $400,000. The 25-year timeframe aligns with the lifecycle of the roof itself. Once the roof needs to be replaced, the county can decide whether to reinstall the panels or consider new technology, Orion Thornton, founder of OnSite Energy, said.

By Keely Larson