Solar power in Buffalo, New York
National Grid has a net metering program making solar a better investment than ever.
Buffalo residents and business owners are eligible for the New York state tax credit of 25% up to $5,000, which is is the best state tax credit currently available in the country!
There is also the federal tax credit that is applied after the state level one so, already about 50% of all costs on a standard solar system are covered.
If you live just a little out of the city in NYSE&G territory there is also a $400 per kW rebate that doubles if eligible for New York's affordable solar program.
Many lawmakers consider these incentives way too generous and are fighting them hard, it's best not to wait around!
Net Metering Broken Down
Net metering requires your utility to only bill you when your solar system outputs less to their grid than what your home pulls from the grid and surplus energy is credited at the National grids retail rate. Since most homeowners are out of the house during the day when solar is producing the most this exported energy will make you a lot of money.
The average cost of installing residential solar panels in Buffalo,
New York in 2025 is
$2.78 per watt. The average system size
in the US is 6 kilowatts, which means the average price of a solar system
in Buffalo, NY
is $13,900.
(after claiming 26% tax credit and other rebates)
The 26% federal solar tax credit explained
If you have a federal income tax liability, 26% of the cost of your solar system can be claimed as a deduction to your taxes. This incentive is claimed when you do your taxes. In order to receive the tax credit quicker it's best to do your taxes as soon as possible after installation.
What if my tax liability is less than 26% of my systems costThere is the option to claim this incentive over several years if your tax liability is less than 26% of the system cost.
How much will solar panels on my home save me?
The answer to this question depends on your electricity usage. Generally speaking the greater your power usage the greater the potential savings from installing solar.
The average monthly usage in New York is only 603kWh per month however, you are most likely using a lot more than this since this average includes condos and small apartments.
The Buffalo solar panel savings calculator below will convert your monthly power spend into power usage (in kWh's) and then work out exactly how many solar panels you need to offset your usage, how much they will cost based on the prices of local solar companies and the amount you will save. Our New York solar savings calculator can do this because it contains a database of the electric rates charged by New York State Elec & Gas Corp, National Grid (formerly Keyspan), Village of Akron, Village of Arcade, Village of Springville, Niagara Mohawk Power Corp
How much can solar panels save you in Buffalo
What does the cost of a real solar system look like?
Facts about installing a 7.99kW solar system in Buffalo, NY
This system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill is $139, however your situation may vary so try our Buffalo solar calculator to get a result tailored to you.
$10,135
Net cost of system
5 Years 5 Months
Average payback time
9,164 kWh
Annual power production
4¢/kWh
Levelized cost of solar energy
32¢/kWh
If you don't get solar
Cash flow graph based on cash purchase of this 7.99kW system
Life-time savings on this system over the next 25 years
$59,599
(Prices shown after repayments of capital)
39
Solar companies in Buffalo, NY that provide pricing through the SolarEstimate marketplace.
Average total cost of solar panel installation in Buffalo
| System Size |
Cash purchase After 26% solar tax credit |
Financed purchase After 26% solar tax credit |
|---|---|---|
| 3kw | $6,460 | $6,977 |
| 4kw | $8,495 | $9,175 |
| 5kw | $10,434 | $11,269 |
| 6kw | $12,343 | $13,331 |
| 7kw | $14,141 | $15,273 |
| 8kw | $15,925 | $17,199 |
| 9kw | $17,582 | $18,989 |
| 10kw | $19,240 | $20,779 |
Find out what system size you need for your home
Going solar in New York
Check out all of the ways energy providers of New York can help you be more energy efficient and save money.
The following programs are available:
| Incentive Name | Eligibility | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | Federal | Personal Tax Credit |
| Residential Solar State Tax Credit | State | Personal Tax Credit |
| Property Tax Exemption | State | Property Tax Incentive |
| Solar Sales Tax Exemption | State | Sales Tax Incentive |
| Value of Distributed Energy Resources - Phase One Net Metering | State | Net Metering |
| NY-Sun Smart Energy Loan | State | Loan Program |
| NY-Sun Megawatt Block Program - Upstate Region - Block 8 | Utility | Rebate Program |
Find your local rebates and incentives
Please keep in mind that the best source of up-to-date information on incentives are the solar installers who specialize in your area.
