Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buffalo, NY (2024 Update)

  • Buffalo Solar Installation Cost: $11,696
  • 25-Year Savings: $6,506
  • Payback Period: 18.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buffalo

We break down average solar pricing in Buffalo.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Buffalo it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $11,696 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Buffalo depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Buffalo can save about $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Buffalo for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Buffalo

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,799
3 years $-9,005
5 years $-7,211
7 years $-5,417
9 years $-3,623
11 years $-1,828
13 years $-34
15 years $1,760
17 years $3,554
19 years $5,348
21 years $7,142
23 years $8,936
25 years $10,730

Top Solar Installers in Buffalo

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

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 $11,696, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Buffalo average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Buffalo is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.80 $15,943 $4,974 19.1 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $7,041 18.7 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $9,312 18.3 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $11,788 18.0 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $14,468 17.6 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $17,352 17.2 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $20,441 16.9 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $23,734 16.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Buffalo, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Buffalo?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Buffalo?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Buffalo, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Buffalo is currently $218,361, so you could be looking at a value of about $8,953 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Buffalo is a worthwhile investment.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

Follow us