Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buffalo, NY (2023 Update)
- Buffalo Solar Installation Cost: $9,458
- 25-Year Savings: $6,501
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buffalo
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Buffalo.
The average cost of solar panels in Buffalo is 2.95 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Buffalo, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,458, or $13,525 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Buffalo can save around $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Buffalo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,819 |
| 3 years | $-7,543 |
| 5 years | $-6,266 |
| 7 years | $-4,989 |
| 9 years | $-3,713 |
| 11 years | $-2,436 |
| 13 years | $-1,159 |
| 15 years | $118 |
| 17 years | $1,394 |
| 19 years | $2,671 |
| 21 years | $3,948 |
| 23 years | $5,224 |
| 25 years | $6,501 |
Top Solar Installers in Buffalo
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Buffalo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buffalo
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,950 per kilowatt in Buffalo. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Buffalo, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to 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 opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Buffalo are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.07 | $12,886 | $8,032 | 15.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $11,039 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $14,212 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $17,550 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $21,053 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $24,722 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $28,555 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $32,554 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Buffalo, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Buffalo?
The average cost of solar panels in Buffalo is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.