Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buffalo, MN (2023 Update)
- Buffalo Solar Installation Cost: $14,174
- 25-Year Savings: $19,510
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buffalo
We break down average solar pricing in Buffalo.
In Buffalo, solar panels cost about 2.84 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Buffalo is around 7.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,174 for a solar installation, or $20,269 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Buffalo homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Buffalo see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Buffalo for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Buffalo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,827 |
| 3 years | $-10,132 |
| 5 years | $-7,438 |
| 7 years | $-4,743 |
| 9 years | $-2,048 |
| 11 years | $647 |
| 13 years | $3,341 |
| 15 years | $6,036 |
| 17 years | $8,731 |
| 19 years | $11,426 |
| 21 years | $14,120 |
| 23 years | $16,815 |
| 25 years | $19,510 |
Top Solar Installers in Buffalo
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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
Best Technology
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
See all of the solar companies in Buffalo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buffalo
While the average cost of a solar system in Buffalo is $14,174, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Buffalo, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,840 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Buffalo, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.95 | $12,405 | $15,957 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $21,595 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $27,391 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $33,346 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $39,461 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $45,734 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $52,166 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $58,758 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Buffalo, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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
Best Technology
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
EcoWatch's Buffalo, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Buffalo?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Buffalo?
You can't get solar panels for free in Buffalo. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Buffalo, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.