10 Best Solar Companies in Buffalo, NY (Jul 2022 Review)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 10 in Buffalo based on:
-
Customer review scores - Solar installers near you
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Updated 6/24/2022
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best solar companies in Buffalo
Getting the right solar panel installation company for your roof is a huge decision, but it's one that can pay off big in Buffalo. Due to Buffalo's decent level of sunshine on average, the solar industry has been growing steadily.
The cost of installing solar panels can change substantially based on your home's configuration and your overall energy needs. To get free quotes from the best solar companies in Buffalo, you can click "get quote" below.
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
4.5
- 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 Rankings for Solar Companies in Buffalo
Nationwide Service
Average Cost
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Regional Service
Average Cost
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
Nationwide Service
Average Cost
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
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
Local Service
Solar Revolution LLC
- Offers a free quote process
- Can browse portfolio on website
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Educational sales approach
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
Local Service
Four Winds Renewable Energy, LLC
- Educational sales approach
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Family owned and operated
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Solar Panels
Regional Service
Average Cost
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Regional Service
Average Cost
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Regional Service
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Local Service
Quik Solar
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
Local Service
City Solar
- Offers a free quote process
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Panels
Solar Company Ranking Methodology
Click here to see a more detailed overview of our solar company ranking methodology.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Buffalo
For a lot of homeowners, whether or not you should invest in solar panels comes down to the cost. The overall price and potential savings vary depending on a few key factors such as:
- The model of solar panels you can buy: This depends on your income and budget.
- Incentives: Tax-paying citizens who install a solar energy system this year can save 26% of their overall solar costs by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $13,000 on your electricity bills over 20 years not including incentives.
- Your current electric bills: Solar panels can dramatically decrease, or entirely get rid of, your utility bills. In Buffalo, you can save an average of $53 a month.
- How much energy your home consumes: Households that consume a lot of power each month may require more solar panels and, consequently, more upfront cost, but will also enjoy more savings over time.
Due to the cost of solar panels being lower than before as well as various solar incentives, they are a cost-effective investment for the majority of homeowners.
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For an estimate of both how much you could save and help protect the environment by installing solar panels, you can test out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Buffalo, NY.
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Solar Incentives in Buffalo
Because solar power is better for the environment than burning fossil fuels, there are several government incentives in place to encourage its adoption. You can qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar system. You can also potentially pair the ITC with other state and city incentives. Check out the table below to see what incentives you can take advantage of.
| Name | Residential Solar Tax Credit |
| Incentive Amount | 25% for solar-electric (PV) and solar-thermal systems; for third-party owned systems this is in reference to the aggregate amount owed under the contract rather than the amount owed in any single year |
| Incentive Max | $5,000 for solar-energy systems |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | ITC |
| Type | Tax Incentive |
| Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
| Website | Visit here |
| Name | Local Option - Real Property Tax Exemption for Green Buildings |
| Incentive Amount | Upon local adoption, 20% - 100% of real property taxes owed; varies by year and certification level |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | NY-Sun PV Incentive Program (Residential, Low-Income, and Small Business) |
| Incentive Amount | Incentive rates step down over time as MW goals are met. Incentive rates as of 11/27/2019 are: Residential: Long Island Region: $0.00/W (MW blocks have been fully subscribed) Con Edison Region: $0.30/W Upstate Region: $0.35/W Low-to-Moderate income customers: $0.80/W (up to 10 kW) Small Commercial (Non-Residential):Long Island Region: $0.00/W (MW blocks have been fully subscribed) Con Edison Region: $0.60/W Up State Region: $0.45/W Multifamily Affordable Housing Adder: additional $0.40/W (up to 50 kW) |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Home Performance with ENERGY STAR |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | NY Green Bank |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Local Option - Solar Sales Tax Exemption |
| Incentive Amount | Upon local authorization, 100% exemption from local sales tax |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Solar Sales Tax Exemption |
| Incentive Amount | 100% exemption from state sales tax |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Energy Conservation Improvements Property Tax Exemption |
| Incentive Amount | 100% of the value added to the residence by the improvements |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | NY-Sun Loan Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Local Option - Solar, Wind & Biomass Energy Systems Exemption |
| Incentive Amount | 100% exemption for 15 years (unless local jurisdiction has opted out) |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Buffalo
There are many reasons to switch to solar energy, like saving some money on electricity bills and helping to lower your carbon footprint. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Buffalo, though. One thing to consider is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend a lot of time on the road and have an electric vehicle, you can use solar energy for your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions. In fact, if you install solar panels, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 20 pounds each year. For people who want to help the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
4.5
- 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, NY Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar panel installer in Buffalo?
The top local solar company in Buffalo is Solar Revolution LLC, with a rating of 4.18 stars.
What are the pros and cons of solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it decreases your electricity bills, it's eco-friendly, and it gives you a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't work as well when there's limited direct sunlight, they cost a lot upfront and solar panels can be an eyesore.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 15.7 years, but the exact period varies depending on the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
Despite summer being the most popular time people install solar panels, the optimal time is actually winter. You can save money since there's decreased demand during the winter months, and it allows you to be up and running with solar for the more expensive power bills you may get during the summer.
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.