Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Buffalo, PA (2023 Update)
- East Buffalo Solar Installation Cost: $12,334
- 25-Year Savings: $8,089
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Buffalo
We break down average solar pricing in East Buffalo.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in East Buffalo it's 2.55 per watt. Because a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in East Buffalo, the average price of going solar will be about $12,334 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in East Buffalo based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average East Buffalo homeowners see about $11,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in East Buffalo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,517 |
| 3 years | $-9,884 |
| 5 years | $-8,250 |
| 7 years | $-6,616 |
| 9 years | $-4,982 |
| 11 years | $-3,348 |
| 13 years | $-1,714 |
| 15 years | $-80 |
| 17 years | $1,554 |
| 19 years | $3,188 |
| 21 years | $4,821 |
| 23 years | $6,455 |
| 25 years | $8,089 |
Top Solar Installers in East Buffalo
Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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
See all of the solar companies in East Buffalo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Buffalo
For many East Buffalo homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in East Buffalo, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the East Buffalo average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in East Buffalo to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. 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 upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in East Buffalo is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $6,608 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $9,096 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $11,727 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $14,501 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $17,417 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $20,477 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $23,679 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $27,024 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 East Buffalo, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Buffalo?
The average cost of solar panels in East Buffalo is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in East Buffalo?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.