15 Best Solar Companies in Buffalo, PA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Buffalo based on:
- Customer review scores
- Service area for Buffalo, PA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Buffalo homeowner saves $1,163/year with solar panels
Updated February 01, 2024
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Buffalo
Hoping to obtain energy freedom in Buffalo? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding investment since you can enjoy many perks when you switch to solar power. Plus, forward-thinking leadership has laid the foundation for a growing solar market, and a great number of the best solar companies are aiming to capitalize on it. That's why Buffalo offers many options for solar installers.
There are so many installers to choose from, but in this article, we’ll help you pin down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Buffalo.Want to know the cost of installing solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a highly rated Buffalo solar installer.
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 Buffalo
Bluebird Sky Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Residential Panels
- Permit Assistance
- Maintenance
- Commercial Panels
Energy Independent Solutions
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Tesla Powerwall
- Energy Efficiency Audit
- Residential Panels
- Solar Roof Assessment
- Financing Assistance
Green Rack Contracting
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
Solbridge Energy Advisors
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Consultation
- Commercial Panels
Elysium Solar Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Family-Operated Business
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Full-Service
- Battery Storage
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
- Permit Assistance
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
Connected Energy Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
Envinity Solar | Pittsburgh
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Carports
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Maintenance
- Energy Efficiency Audit
Scalo Solar Solutions
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
Pennsylvania Solar Energy Company Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Commercial Panels
Boom Pow DIY Solar LLC
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Residential Panels
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
Green Solar Systems LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Financing Assistance
- Residential Panels
- Permit Assistance
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Commercial Panels
- Consultation
Raycycle
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Consultation
- Residential Panels
JB Solar LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Permit Assistance
Greentech Renewables - Pittsburgh
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
SolarAesthetics Panels Castles
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Skilled Repairs
- Commercial Panels
- Cleaning
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 Pennsylvania 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
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.The overall price and potential savings vary depending on some key factors such as:
- The kind of solar panels you have the money for: This depends on how much you’re willing to invest upfront.
- How much energy you use: If your household needs to use a lot of energy, you'll see more savings from switching to solar.
- Incentives: Tax-paying citizens who buy and install a solar system this year can save 0 of their solar installation costs by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $14,000 on your electricity bills over 20 years not including incentives.
- The amount of sunlight your area gets: Because of Buffalo’s relatively low amount of average daily sunlight, you might not see as many savings on your power bills.
Though a solar panel system costs a decent chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount over time. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, like the amount of daily direct sunlight available and your current power bills.
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Solar Incentives in Buffalo
In order to increase the adoption of solar power, incentives are offered by the government – and even some utility companies – to help make solar more economically viable and accessible.There are a lot of federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that may earn you a decent amount of money back after paying for a qualifying system. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Buffalo
Swapping traditional energy for solar is a powerful way to do what you can for a greener future.A question many people might be wondering about is how much can they really help protect the environment by going solar anyway? One thing you should keep in mind is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you have a long commute time and have an electric vehicle, you can install solar panels on your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions.In Buffalo, the average person can reduce their carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year after going solar. The advantages of solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many people have been happy with committing to solar.
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 Buffalo, PA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar company in Buffalo?
In Buffalo, Bluebird Sky Solar is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your roof.
What are some of the biggest pros and cons of installing solar panels?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lowers your electricity bills, it’s a sustainable source of energy, and it gives you a significant return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t produce electricity at night, the startup costs are high and solar panels can look clunky on your roof.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after installing solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 17.1 years, but the exact period varies by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
How often do solar panels have to be replaced?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely. What this means is their energy production will have decreased by about 0.8% each year since installing them. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency after that time.
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.