Buffalo brightens up with solar energy

The state of solar in Buffalo

Buffalo may not be the sunniest city in the U.S., with just 155 sunny days per year on average,^*Best Places. Climate in Buffalo, NY. April 2021. but the city has made the most of its sunshine. Buffalo ranked 40th in the nation for total solar capacity in 2020 and 36th for per capita capacity, according to the Environment America Research & Policy Center.

How much solar energy does Buffalo produce?

Buffalo has 36.5 MW of installed solar capacity from 1,354 solar installations. The city's solar capacity has increased by just over 236% in the last five years. An additional 21 installations are already underway in 2021. That includes two 5 MW solar arrays at Marilla Street Landfill in South Buffalo that will generate enough energy to power 2,500 homes.^*Cision PR Newswire. Source Renewables to Invest in Buffalo by Redeveloping the Marilla Street Landfill for Community Solar Project. March 2021.

What are the advantages of going solar in Buffalo?

The potential electricity cost savings are one of the biggest advantages of going solar. Even with Buffalo’s relatively reasonable electricity rates, a 5 kW system could offer savings of over $14,000 in 25 years and pay for itself within a decade.^*Energy Sage. Solar Panels in Buffalo, NY. April 2021.

Beyond financial advantages, solar power can also provide energy independence and help you avoid power loss during blackouts or environmental disasters. Speaking of the environment, as a carbon-neutral power source, solar power can also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our community.

About 89% of the rooftops in Buffalo are solar viable, with room for roughly 74,500 installations. If all of them were utilized, it would prevent the release of 449,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide, or the equivalent of taking 98,800 cars off the road for a year.^*Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018).

How much does solar cost in Buffalo?

• System and roof size

• Labor and permit costs

• Local weather

• Quality of the solar panels

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.^*Local Installers 2020/2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020 In New York, we found that the cost of purchasing a 5 kW solar system ranges from $14,800 to $30,000, or in other words, from $2.96 to $6.00 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

There are several solar incentives available to Buffalo residents.^*Incentives, rebates, and tax credits vary and are subject to change. Please visit the dsireusa.org website for detailed solar policy information. On top of the 30% federal tax credit, you may also be able to take advantage of New York's 25% state income tax credit, which covers installation costs up to $5,000. This credit is non-refundable but can be carried over for up to five years.

There’s also the Megawatt Block Incentive Structure. It offers a per-watt rebate at a rate based on your location and the current “block” status. Rebates decrease with each block. Upstate New York is currently in Block 8, with a rebate of .35 cents per watt, but will soon move into block 9, at .20 per watt.

What’s the best way to go solar in Buffalo?

The first step in going solar is to decide what type of system you want, what system size is right for your energy needs and available roof space, and what budget you’re considering. You’ll also need to consider whether you want a battery storage system, grid-tied system or both.

The best way to answer all the above is to book a consultation with a reputable solar provider. They can answer all your questions and provide a system design, monthly electric bill savings estimate, and a price quote along with an overview of available incentives and tax credits.

Get started now by requesting a free SunPower consultation below. We'll contact you to find a time that works best with your schedule. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.