Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buffalo, PA (2024 Update)
- Buffalo Solar Installation Cost: $17,361
- 25-Year Savings: $12,923
- Payback Period: 17.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buffalo
We break down average solar pricing in Buffalo.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Buffalo, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Buffalo homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,361 with the federal tax credit, or $24,826 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Buffalo depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Buffalo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,278 |
| 3 years | $-14,112 |
| 5 years | $-11,946 |
| 7 years | $-9,780 |
| 9 years | $-7,614 |
| 11 years | $-5,449 |
| 13 years | $-3,283 |
| 15 years | $-1,117 |
| 17 years | $1,049 |
| 19 years | $3,215 |
| 21 years | $5,380 |
| 23 years | $7,546 |
| 25 years | $9,712 |
Top Solar Installers in Buffalo
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Another great thing about using a vetted solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
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 depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Buffalo, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Buffalo have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $6,303 | 17.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,801 | 17.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,498 | 17.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,394 | 16.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $17,489 | 16.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $20,783 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $24,275 | 15.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $27,967 | 15.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Buffalo, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Buffalo, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Buffalo?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Buffalo?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Buffalo. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Is it worth going solar in Buffalo?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours 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.