6 Best Solar Companies in Amherst, NY (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 6 in Amherst based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Amherst, NY
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Amherst homeowner saves $1,092/year with solar panels
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Best Solar Companies in Amherst
When deciding on the best solar installers, Amherst homeowners have more options than ever before, which can be overwhelming, but we’re here to make making the switch to solar energy simpler. Solar panels aren't just good for the environment — your finances will thank you too. With solar power, you can save an average of $13,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
In this article, we’ll help you narrow in on the best companies in your area.Want to know the cost of installing solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a highly rated Amherst solar installer.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Amherst
Solar By CIR Buffalo
Reliable Customer Support- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Battery Storage- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- System Decommissioning
- Community Solar Projects
Go Solar WNY
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
Geotherm, Inc: Geothermal & Solar Experts
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
Fusion Energy Services
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Solar by CIR Rochester
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- System Decommissioning
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Community Solar Projects
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
Greentech Renewables Rochester
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Amherst
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Amherst based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Amherst
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for New York solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Amherst
Even though solar panels can help save you money on utility bills over time, it’s necessary to consider the upfront costs.The overall price and potential savings vary depending on some key factors such as:
- The cost of electricity in your area: If your local utility rates are high, there's a good chance you'll have a higher return on your investment in a solar panel system. In Amherst, you can save an average of $857 a month on your electricity bills.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: If your roof doesn’t get a lot of direct sunlight, your solar panels won’t be able to generate as much energy, which will give you lower savings on energy bills than someone with a roof that gets a lot of sunlight.
- Incentives: Those who purchase and install a solar energy system this year can save 0 of their solar installation costs by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $13,000 on your electricity bills over 20 years without incentives.
- The type of solar panel system you can purchase: This hinges on how much you’re willing to spend upfront.
There are many good benefits of solar even with the upfront cost of installation. It can help the planet and your bank account. Plus, it can raise the value of your home, resulting in even more benefits if you choose to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Amherst
One of the benefits of installing a solar panel system is receiving federal and potentially state incentives.In addition to the federal solar investment tax credit, there are also some local programs, which in the majority of cases, can be claimed in addition to the federal incentive, so you get to save even more. Check out our article on solar incentives to see what incentives you can take advantage of.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Amherst
One of the reasons so many homeowners are thinking of adopting solar energy is to help bring down their environmental impact.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Amherst, though. Regardless of your location, you can help protect the environment by switching to solar energy, but homes that consume a lot of energy will have an even greater impact.Because solar panels don’t release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when producing electricity, they’re a good alternative to nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 20 pounds each year. For those who care about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for reducing your carbon footprint.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Amherst, NY Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar panel company in Amherst?
In Amherst, Solar By CIR Buffalo is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.80 stars, so it's a great choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your house.
What are some of the pros and cons of installing solar panels?
The greatest advantages of solar power are that it can reduce or, for some, completely eradicate your electricity bills, improve the value of your home and lower your carbon footprint. The greatest disadvantages are that solar panels can be pricey to install, you may not save a lot if you don’t use a lot of electricity and it doesn’t work for all roof types and locations.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 18.7 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The more your typical energy bill, the faster your solar panel system will pay for itself.
What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is how much energy the panels can create under ideal conditions (a sunny day around noon). The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their energy needs.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.