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
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Average Buffalo homeowner saves $1,116/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Buffalo
When you’re on the hunt for the best solar companies in Buffalo, going through hundreds of options can be taxing, but it can pay off since switching to solar energy can offer so many great perks. What's especially pushing a lot of readers toward going solar is their sizable energy bills that keep increasing each year.
In this article, we’ll help you find the best companies in your area.If you want to receive free, no-obligation quotes from the best Buffalo solar companies, you can click the button below to learn more.
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
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
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Buffalo
Solar By CIR Buffalo
Reliable Customer Support- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Community Solar Projects
- System Decommissioning
Go Solar WNY
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Geotherm, Inc: Geothermal & Solar Experts
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
Fusion Energy Services
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
Tess/Soleil
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
Solar by CIR Rochester
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- System Decommissioning
- Community Solar Projects
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Greentech Renewables Rochester
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
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
We understand that for lots of homeowners, the decision to invest in solar highly depends on installation costs.Some key things that impact how much it will cost and how much you could save include:
- The type of solar panels you want: Some are more costly, so that will shape your budget for your solar project.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you receive a tax credit curretnly worth 0 of your overall installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $13,000 over 20 years with your system, too.
- The amount of sunlight your rooftop gets: Thanks to Buffalo’s relatively low amount of average daily sunlight, you might not see as many savings on your electric bills.
- Your current electric bills: Solar panels can greatly lower, or totally eradicate, your utility bills. In Buffalo, you can save an average of $897 a month.
As a result of solar panels decreasing in cost as well as several solar incentives, they are a worthwhile investment for the majority of homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Buffalo
In order to increase the number of homes and businesses that use solar power, federal, state and local governments – and even some utility companies – offer incentives to help make solar power more economical and accessible.State and city solar incentive programs depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for solar power, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. For detailed information about local incentives, visit our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Buffalo
If you want to add solar panels to your home, one of the principal reasons why may be to reduce your reliance on nonrenewable energy.But – how much exactly can you help by using solar power? One thing to keep in mind is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend a lot of time in the car and have an electric vehicle, you can use solar energy for your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions.Even though solar panel manufacturing emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by greatly decreasing the amount of CO2 you would have produced if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Buffalo, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 20 pounds a year with solar panels. The good things about solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many Buffalo residents have been happy with committing to solar.
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
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
EcoWatch's Buffalo, NY Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar installer in Buffalo?
In Buffalo, Solar By CIR Buffalo is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.80 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your house.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?
Manufacturing solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main downside of solar panels.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 18.3 years, but the exact period depends on 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 the amount of power they produce under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average house 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.