Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buffalo, NY (2024 Update)
- Buffalo Solar Installation Cost: $11,696
- 25-Year Savings: $6,506
- Payback Period: 18.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buffalo
We break down average solar pricing in Buffalo.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Buffalo it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Buffalo, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,696, or $16,725 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Buffalo homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Buffalo see about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Buffalo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,799 |
| 3 years | $-9,005 |
| 5 years | $-7,211 |
| 7 years | $-5,417 |
| 9 years | $-3,623 |
| 11 years | $-1,828 |
| 13 years | $-34 |
| 15 years | $1,760 |
| 17 years | $3,554 |
| 19 years | $5,348 |
| 21 years | $7,142 |
| 23 years | $8,936 |
| 25 years | $10,730 |
Top Solar Installers in Buffalo
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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
See all of the solar companies in Buffalo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buffalo
The cost of installing a solar system in Buffalo can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Buffalo, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Buffalo homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Buffalo’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Buffalo know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.80 | $15,943 | $4,974 | 19.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,041 | 18.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,312 | 18.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $11,788 | 18.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $14,468 | 17.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $17,352 | 17.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $20,441 | 16.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $23,734 | 16.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Buffalo, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Buffalo?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Buffalo?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Buffalo. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.