![NorthWestern Energy Exploring Solar Power Alternative for Rural Montana](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2015/10/GettyImages-98768488-630x420.jpg?w=980&q=75)
NorthWestern Energy Exploring Solar Power Alternative for Rural Montana
DEER LODGE, Mont. (AP) — NorthWestern Energy is looking at solar energy to make power more reliable in rural Montana.
The Montana Standard reports (http://bit.ly/1LlQIFP ) that the energy company unveiled its first solar panels in Montana at an event Monday. The panels are located on private property the company is leasing about eight miles north of Deer Lodge.
Northwestern Energy spokesman Butch Larcombe says the panels are connected to a battery pack, which began working last week. The panels will benefit 17 rural residents who live nearby.
The solar panels charge the batteries. When the batteries are full, the excess energy will be delivered to the customers. When a power line goes down in the area, the batteries can provide backup power.
The project cost NorthWestern Energy $600,000.
More From Newstalk KGVO 1290 AM & 98.3 FM
![Every City/Town in Montana Listed By Population](http://townsquare.media/site/117/files/2021/12/attachment-Untitled-design-2021-12-14T155901.324.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Missoula County contract to aid pursuit of green power program](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/04/attachment-mountain-line.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Clark Fork River Market returning to old location](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/03/attachment-market.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Tour Defends Against Financial Scams on Montana’s Elderly](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/03/attachment-featured-image-2024-03-13T134239.314.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![NorthWestern Warns Missoula Customers About Utility Scams](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/03/attachment-RS47733_GettyImages-1347254197-scr-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![More Info About the Gas Explosion Fire in Missoula](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/01/attachment-featured-image-16.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Possible New Names, No Closures for These Montana Stores](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/01/attachment-KrogerAlbertsonsGettyBrandonBell.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Watchdogs asking why NorthWestern’s coal plant was down during freeze](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/01/attachment-northwestern-energy-scaled.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![NorthWestern endures spike, imports electricity during Arctic blast](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/01/attachment-attachment-winter2.jpg?w=980&q=75)