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The Community Solar III project in Whitefish commenced power generation in late January 2026. Located near the wastewater treatment plant, it consists of 448 solar panels and serves 128 members who purchase energy generated by the panels.

The battery storage component is expected to be completed by mid-March. The project, initiated on June 12, 2022, was developed in collaboration with Flathead Electric Cooperative, which is responsible for all costs and maintenance.

Funding was secured from the Rural Energy for America Program and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, including support for low-income families. Flathead Electric previously developed two community solar projects in the area, starting in 2015.