Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buffalo, MN (2024 Update)
- Buffalo Solar Installation Cost: $20,102
- 25-Year Savings: $19,518
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buffalo
See how much it might cost to go solar in Buffalo.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Buffalo it’s 4 per watt.Since a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Buffalo, the average price of going solar will be about $20,102 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Buffalo homeowner can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Buffalo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,822 |
| 3 years | $-16,263 |
| 5 years | $-13,704 |
| 7 years | $-11,146 |
| 9 years | $-8,587 |
| 11 years | $-6,028 |
| 13 years | $-3,469 |
| 15 years | $-910 |
| 17 years | $1,649 |
| 19 years | $4,208 |
| 21 years | $6,767 |
| 23 years | $9,326 |
| 25 years | $11,884 |
Top Solar Installers in Buffalo
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and expertise. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Buffalo, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Buffalo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buffalo
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Buffalo: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,030 per kilowatt in Buffalo.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Buffalo homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Buffalo, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.19 | $17,603 | $10,759 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $14,797 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $19,061 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $23,550 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $28,265 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $33,206 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $38,372 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $43,764 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Buffalo, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Buffalo?
The average cost of solar panels in Buffalo is about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.