Montana Senator Uses Solar Power He Voted to Defund

A Montana senator who called renewable energy "goofy, subsidized green energy crap" has been quietly using that same technology to power his own home for years.

Senator Tim Sheehy installed rooftop solar panels and battery storage at his Bozeman home between 2020 and 2021, according to property records and satellite imagery. The former Navy SEAL confirmed he has solar panels but declined to discuss details, saying "It's my personal home, so it's not really any of your business."

The revelation came to light when local renewable energy workers reached out to Sheehy for help opposing legislation that would cut clean energy subsidies. These workers knew about his solar setup and hoped he might understand how the tax credits support local jobs and businesses.

Instead, Sheehy voted with nearly all Republicans to pass a $3.4 trillion tax overhaul that eliminated decades-old solar tax credits first created under President George W. Bush. The credits had been expanded under both Democratic and Republican administrations.

His spokesperson said Sheehy "doesn't think American taxpayers should be forced to subsidize solar panels with their tax dollars." The office didn't answer whether the senator himself used those same tax credits when installing his system during a period when homeowners could recoup 26 percent of solar costs.

Sheehy isn't alone. At least nine congressional Republicans have solar panels on their homes, with several citing lower energy costs as their motivation. Adding battery systems lets homeowners use solar power even when the sun sets or the grid goes down.

Representative Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey confirmed his panels have lowered his electricity costs. Senator John Curtis of Utah and Representative Ken Calvert of California acknowledged using the now-expired tax credit to purchase their systems.

Why This Inspires

Here's what gives us hope: these lawmakers experienced firsthand what thousands of Americans already know. Solar power works, saves money, and provides energy independence regardless of political labels.

The fact that politicians across the spectrum have chosen solar for their own homes shows the technology has proven itself. When people from all backgrounds make the same practical choice for their families, it demonstrates real value beyond politics.

The conversation this story has sparked isn't about hypocrisy. It's about recognizing that clean energy has moved from experimental to essential, one rooftop at a time.

Montana's renewable energy workers didn't give up after Sheehy's vote. They're continuing to install systems, create jobs, and help families lower their energy bills. That work continues whether subsidies exist or not, because the technology now stands on its own merits.

The real story here is how solar power has become so practical and affordable that even its critics choose it for their own homes.