Commercial Property Assessed Capital Enhancements (C-PACE) is a financing opportunity in Montana for renewable energy development, energy efficiency upgrades, and resiliency improvements. The program covers projects like solar panels; high efficiency HVAC systems; wind, fire, flood, and stormwater resiliency; and indoor air quality. C-PACE is available to businesses like farms and ranches, commercial office buildings, nonprofit organizations, and even multifamily buildings of 5 units or more. In a state with few financial incentives for clean energy, this is a great opportunity. For more information about qualifying properties and project types, visit LastBestPace.org.
How does it work?
Authority: The state legislature enabled C-PACE for the state of Montana in 2021, but it is up to local governments to authorize their own community’s participation. This is a simple process that is often done at the county level, though cities can move forward with the process as well. As of February 2026, 24 counties and 5 towns in Montana have established C-PACE districts.
Process to authorize C-PACE locally: County Commissioners begin by voting to adopt a resolution of intent to enable C-PACE and then hold one or more public hearings for community input. After deciding to move forward, they vote to adopt a resolution to participate in the C-PACE program, which establishes their community as a C-PACE district where financing and assessments can occur for property owners who choose to participate. Once the program is established at the local level, property owners can apply for C-PACE financing for their projects.
The program: C-PACE can cover up to 100% of the total up-front cost of renewable energy, energy efficiency, or resiliency projects. The property owner then pays back those costs through an assessment on their property taxes. The energy savings from the projects can often be enough to cover the assessment costs, meaning this financing option can increase the bottom line of property owners and make their projects cash positive from day one. Like other property taxes, this financing method allows the assessments to pass onto a new owner if the property is sold, ensuring that the project investment, and its benefits, transfer ownership together.
Is your County participating in C-PACE? Check out the latest map of established C-PACE districts.
Are you a contractor interested in working on C-PACE projects?
Contractors providing required C-PACE Program documentation, such as Energy Assessments, ITPRs and documentation for Public Safety and Resiliency Improvements, as well as those installing the improvements and certifying completion, must be qualified professionals with appropriate knowledge and experience in their field.
To demonstrate these qualifications, contractors will typically hold an industry license, certification or credential, including, but not limited to:
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- Professional Engineer (PE)
- Licensed Architect
- Certified Energy Auditor (CEA)
- Building Energy Assessment Professional (BEAP)
- Solar PV/Thermal Installer
- Master Electrician
- Master Plumber
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At a minimum, the general/lead contractor working on a C-PACE project must be an approved Registered Contractor with the Last Best PACE Program. It is strongly encouraged for any contractor working on a C-PACE project to be knowledgeable about the Last Best PACE Program.
To register:
- Contractor submits the Contractor Registration Form directly from the Program’s website at lastbestpace.com.
- The Program reviews the registration form to verify the contractor meets the requirements and has accepted the Last Best PACE Program Contractor Terms and Conditions to make a final determination.
- Contractor is notified of the final determination.
Upon approval, the contractor will become a Registered Contractor for the Program. The contractor will be added to the Registered Contractor list on the Program’s website. At this point, the contractor is also approved to use the Program logo on its website and in its marketing materials. Program logos can be obtained by reaching out to Program staff.
The Last Best PACE Program reserves the right to modify contractor qualifications. Contractors will be notified of the new requirements.
To learn more about becoming a registered contractor, and to begin the registration process, visit LastBestPace.org.