6 Best Solar Companies in Amherst, NY (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 6 in Amherst based on:

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

Average Amherst homeowner saves $1,092/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 Amherst

When deciding on the best solar installers, Amherst homeowners have more providers to choose from than ever before, which can be mind-boggling, but we’re here to make making the switch to solar energy that much easier. Solar panels aren't just good for the Earth — your bank account will thank you too. With solar power, you can save an average of $13,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.


As you start your search for the best solar companies in Amherst, you might see that there are a large number of providers to choose between. So, we’ve accumulated an expertly curated list of the top solar companies in the area.Want to see how much you would pay to install a solar system on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top Amherst solar installer.

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 Amherst

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Solar By CIR Buffalo

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

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

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

Services Offered

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

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

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

Solar by CIR Rochester

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

Services Offered

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

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 Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • 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 Amherst

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


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 Amherst

Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you will need to pay to set up your panels.The installation cost is just one important factor you should bear in mind when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:

  • Your current electric bills: Solar panels can substantially reduce, or completely eradicate, your utility bills. In Amherst, you can save an average of $857 a month.
  • The amount of sunlight your roof gets: If your rooftop doesn’t get a lot of direct sunlight, your solar panel system won’t be able to produce as much energy, which will give you lower savings on energy bills than a roof that gets a lot of sunlight.
  • Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a tax credit currently worth 0 of your overall installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Aside from incentives, you can save an average of $13,000 over 20 years with your system, too.
  • Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you want will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels will cost more upfront but can also lead to more savings over the lifetime of your system. If space isn't a constraint for your project, you can opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.

Because of solar panels now being cheaper than ever as well as local and federal solar incentives, they are a worthwhile investment for most homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Amherst

Although a solar power system is typically a big investment, it can save you a considerable amount of money in the long term because of lower power bills and government incentives.Regardless of what state you live in, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows you to claim 0 of your project costs on your tax return, reducing the amount of taxes you owe that year. In addition, there may be some state and city incentives that can save you some extra money too. Check out our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives you can benefit from.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Amherst

One of the most compelling reasons to switch to solar energy is to decrease your dependence on traditional energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are harmful for the environment.But how much can switching to solar actually help the environment? Everyone can help save the environment by switching to solar energy, but homes that consume a lot of energy will have an even greater impact.When you go solar, your carbon emissions can be reduced by about 20 pounds a year. For homeowners who want to help the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for the offset carbon emissions.

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 Amherst, NY Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the best solar installer in Amherst?

The best local solar company in Amherst is Solar By CIR Buffalo, with a rating of 4.80 stars.

What are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of adopting solar power?

The main advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, in some cases, completely eradicate your electricity bills, raise the value of your home and cut back on your carbon footprint. The biggest disadvantages are that solar panels can be expensive to install, you may not save as much if you don’t use a lot of electricity and it doesn’t work for all roof types and locations.

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

Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 18.7 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The higher your typical energy bill, the quicker your solar panel system will pay for itself.

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

Solar panel capacity is rated depending on how many watts of power they produce under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can typically 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.