Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buffalo, WY (2024 Update)
- Buffalo Solar Installation Cost: $38,438
- 25-Year Savings: $48,265
- Payback Period: 12.7 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 average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 15.3-kW system would cost about $38,438 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Buffalo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-37,337 |
| 3 years | $-35,136 |
| 5 years | $-32,934 |
| 7 years | $-30,733 |
| 9 years | $-28,531 |
| 11 years | $-26,329 |
| 13 years | $-24,128 |
| 15 years | $-21,926 |
| 17 years | $-19,725 |
| 19 years | $-17,523 |
| 21 years | $-15,321 |
| 23 years | $-13,120 |
| 25 years | $-10,918 |
Top Solar Installers in Buffalo
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Another good thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- No leases or PPAs
- Energy audits only available 12 months after installation
Solar Veteran
Creative Energies
- Certified B Corp
- Outstanding customer service
- Many years of experience
- Multitude of products and services
- No leases or PPAs
- Slightly expensive
See all of the solar companies in Buffalo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buffalo
Although the average cost of a solar system in Buffalo is $38,438, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Buffalo to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Buffalo, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and 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 | $3.72 | $15,637 | $14,036 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $19,116 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $24,396 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $29,877 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $35,558 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $41,440 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $47,522 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $53,804 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- No leases or PPAs
- Energy audits only available 12 months after installation
Solar Veteran
Creative Energies
- Certified B Corp
- Outstanding customer service
- Many years of experience
- Multitude of products and services
- No leases or PPAs
- Slightly expensive
EcoWatch's Buffalo, WY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Buffalo?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient 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 afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Buffalo have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 take a 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 get 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.