Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Buffalo, PA (2025 Update)
- East Buffalo Solar Installation Cost: $17,159
- 25-Year Savings: $8,098
- Payback Period: 21.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Buffalo
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in East Buffalo.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in East Buffalo, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in East Buffalo, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,159, or $24,537 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average East Buffalo homeowner. The cost 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 adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in East Buffalo can save around $11,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in East Buffalo that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in East Buffalo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,052 |
| 3 years | $-13,837 |
| 5 years | $-11,621 |
| 7 years | $-9,406 |
| 9 years | $-7,191 |
| 11 years | $-4,976 |
| 13 years | $-2,761 |
| 15 years | $-546 |
| 17 years | $1,670 |
| 19 years | $3,885 |
| 21 years | $6,100 |
| 23 years | $8,315 |
| 25 years | $10,530 |
Top Solar Installers in East Buffalo
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
See all of the solar companies in East Buffalo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Buffalo
There are several factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many East Buffalo homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in East Buffalo, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.69 | $15,506 | $2,240 | 21.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $3,384 | 21.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $4,727 | 21.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $6,269 | 20.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $8,009 | 20.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $9,949 | 19.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $12,087 | 19.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $14,424 | 18.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
EcoWatch's East Buffalo, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in East Buffalo?
The average cost of solar panels in East Buffalo is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in East Buffalo?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in East Buffalo?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to 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.