7 Best Solar Companies in Buffalo, NY (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 7 in Buffalo based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Buffalo, NY
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Buffalo homeowner saves $1,116/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 01, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Buffalo

As a homeowner in Buffalo, you may be interested in switching to solar and curious about the best solar companies in your area. Solar could be a great choice since it has many perks. Since the cost of energy is getting higher and higher each year, many homeowners are planning on switching to solar to save money on electricity for their homes.


The cost of installing solar panels can change substantially depending on your home’s framework and your overall energy needs.If you’d like to get free, no-obligation quotes from the best Buffalo solar installers, you can click the button below to learn more.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Buffalo

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Solar By CIR Buffalo

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Community Solar Projects
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs

Website: http://www.solarbycir.com/
Address: 2517 Long Rd, Grand Island, NY 14072
Phone: 7163625000
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Go Solar WNY

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Roof Assessment
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://www.gosolarwny.com/
Address: 301 Walnut St, Lockport, NY 14094
Phone: 7168806000
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Geotherm, Inc: Geothermal & Solar Experts

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: https://geothermhvac.com/
Address: 2226 N Rd, Scottsville, NY 14546
Phone: 5853052574
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Fusion Energy Services

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon EV Charger
  • Service icon Permit Assistance

Website: https://fe-s.com/
Address: 278 Lima Rd, Geneseo, NY 14454
Phone: 5852438212
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Tess/Soleil

  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: https://apricotsolar.com/tesssoleil
Address: 22 Chambers St, Jamestown, NY 14701
Phone: 7164901410
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar by CIR Rochester

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Community Solar Projects
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs

Website: https://www.solarbycir.com/
Address: 4050 W Ridge Rd Suite 131, Rochester, NY 14626
Phone: 5856675000
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Greentech Renewables Rochester

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://cedgreentechus.com/
Address: 465 Paul Rd, Rochester, NY 14624
Phone: 5854864900

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Buffalo

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Buffalo 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 Buffalo


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 Buffalo

For most homeowners, the decision to invest in solar energy depends the most on the cost.Some significant things that influence the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:

  • System size and type: Some models are more pricy than others, so the one you want can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
  • Incentives: Those who install a solar energy system this year can save 0 of their total solar spend by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $13,000 on your utility bills over 20 years without incentives.
  • The amount of sunlight your city gets: Because of Buffalo’s relatively low amount of average daily sunlight, you might not see as many savings on your energy bills.
  • Your current electricity bills: Solar panels can substantially decrease, or completely eradicate, your utility bills. In Buffalo, you can save an average of $897 a month.

As a result of the cost of solar panels being lower than before as well as various solar incentives, they are a cost-effective investment for many homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Buffalo

If you’re planning on switching to solar power, a variety of government incentives and solar rebates can greatly lower the cost of the project and expedite the return on your investment.Local solar incentive programs depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for home solar power systems, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for near you.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Buffalo

There are lots of reasons to make the switch to solar energy, like saving money on utility bills and helping to reduce your carbon footprint.You may be asking yourself – how much does going solar do for the planet anyway? One thing you should keep in mind is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend lots of time commuting to work and have an electric vehicle, you can install solar panels on your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions.Because solar panels don’t release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when producing electricity, they’re a good swap for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 20 pounds each year. Since solar power is abundant and produces electricity without free from carbon dioxide emissions, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help preserve the environment.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Buffalo, NY Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the top solar installer in Buffalo?

In Buffalo, Solar By CIR Buffalo is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.80 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your house.

What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?

Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they’re made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.

How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?

The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 18.3 years, but the exact period is influenced by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.

What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?

Solar panel capacity is rated depending on how much power they generate under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.