Solar Panel Cost Guide in University At Buffalo, NY (Mar 2023)
- University At Buffalo Solar Installation Cost: $9,458
- 25-Year Savings: $6,280
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in University At Buffalo
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in University At Buffalo.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in University At Buffalo it's 2.95 per watt. The average solar panel system size in University At Buffalo is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,458 for a solar installation, or $13,525 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of University At Buffalo homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $13,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in University At Buffalo find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in University At Buffalo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,828 |
| 3 years | $-7,569 |
| 5 years | $-6,310 |
| 7 years | $-5,051 |
| 9 years | $-3,792 |
| 11 years | $-2,533 |
| 13 years | $-1,274 |
| 15 years | $-15 |
| 17 years | $1,244 |
| 19 years | $2,503 |
| 21 years | $3,762 |
| 23 years | $5,021 |
| 25 years | $6,280 |
Top Solar Installers in University At Buffalo
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 University At Buffalo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in University At Buffalo
There are many criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 pay around $2,950 per kilowatt in University At Buffalo. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the University At Buffalo average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in University At Buffalo provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $7,742 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $10,653 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $13,730 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $16,971 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $20,378 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $23,950 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $27,687 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $31,590 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in University At Buffalo, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 University At Buffalo, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in University At Buffalo?
The average cost of solar panels in University At Buffalo is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does University At Buffalo have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
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 stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.