6 Best Solar Companies in University at Buffalo, NY (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 6 in University at Buffalo based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for University at Buffalo, NY
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average University at Buffalo homeowner saves $1,100/year with solar panels
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Best Solar Companies in University at Buffalo
Hoping to go solar but want to know which solar panel installer would be the best one for your needs? Although it can be difficult to settle on a solar company, the search will pay off because going solar has many fantastic perks. One of the advantages of residing in University at Buffalo is you have access to many of the best solar panel installation companies in the country.
If you’re thinking about going solar, the first step to make is to find the best solar companies in University at Buffalo and compare quotes. The great news is we did the hard work and put together a list of the best solar companies to make it easier on you.To get a sense of what it would cost to install solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to get a quote from a certified installer near you.
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
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
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in University at Buffalo
Solar By CIR Buffalo
Reliable Customer Support- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Financing Assistance- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Community Solar Projects
- Skilled Repairs
- System Decommissioning
Go Solar WNY
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Geotherm, Inc: Geothermal & Solar Experts
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Fusion Energy Services
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
Solar by CIR Rochester
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- System Decommissioning
- Battery Storage
- Community Solar Projects
- Panel Installation
Greentech Renewables Rochester
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in University at Buffalo
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in University at 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 University at 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 University at Buffalo
Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you must first pay to install your system.Some key things that affect how much it will cost and how much you could save include:
- Incentives: Those who purchase and install a solar system this year can save 0 of their overall solar costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $13,000 on your electricity bills over 20 years excluding incentives.
- Electricity consumption: The average household in University at Buffalo doesn’t use much energy, and as a result may not see as many savings on their power bills.
- The model of solar panels you’re planning on getting: Higher-efficiency panels have higher prices, so that will shape your budget for your solar project.
- Your household's power bills: Due to high monthly electricity bills in University at Buffalo, you could save about $880 a year with solar.
Though a solar panel system costs a good chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, including the size of your house and your local electricity rates.
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Solar Incentives in University at Buffalo
Although solar power is typically a big investment, it can save you a significant amount of money over many years because of lower utility bills and government incentives.When you install solar panels on your house, you can claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lets you reduce your tax bill by 0 of the cost of your solar panels. Plus, there may often be some state and city incentives that you can benefit from to further save. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for in your area.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in University at Buffalo
Lots of people want to do what they can for the environment, which in many cases is the primary motivation to install solar panels.But how much can switching to solar actually help the environment? Regardless of your location, you can help protect the planet by switching to solar energy, but homes that use more energy will have an even greater impact.In University at Buffalo, the average person can lower their carbon footprint by 20 pounds a year once they go solar. For homeowners who are worried about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for the offset carbon emissions.
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
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
EcoWatch's University at Buffalo, NY Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar panel installer is the best near me?
The highest-rated local solar company in University at Buffalo is Solar By CIR Buffalo, with a rating of 4.80 stars.
Are solar panels really bad for the environment?
Manufacturing solar panels requires chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 18.6 years, but the exact period depends on the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
You can install solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing it in the winter when there's less demand. With fewer homeowners switching to solar, you could potentially see faster installation times and more savings.
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.