Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buffalo, PA (Mar 2023)
- Buffalo Solar Installation Cost: $12,477
- 25-Year Savings: $12,917
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buffalo
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Buffalo.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Buffalo, the average cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Buffalo, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,477, or $17,842 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Buffalo homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Buffalo can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Buffalo, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Buffalo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,461 |
| 3 years | $-9,430 |
| 5 years | $-7,398 |
| 7 years | $-5,367 |
| 9 years | $-3,335 |
| 11 years | $-1,304 |
| 13 years | $728 |
| 15 years | $2,759 |
| 17 years | $4,791 |
| 19 years | $6,822 |
| 21 years | $8,854 |
| 23 years | $10,885 |
| 25 years | $12,917 |
Top Solar Installers in Buffalo
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Buffalo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buffalo
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Buffalo: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Buffalo, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking 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 out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back 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 all-in costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Buffalo, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Some companies 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 go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $10,671 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,513 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,498 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $22,626 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $26,897 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $31,311 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $35,867 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $40,567 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
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 Buffalo, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Buffalo?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper 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 install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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.