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6 Best Solar Companies in Cheektowaga, NY

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated February 2024

Year after year, more Cheektowaga homeowners adopt rooftop solar panels to provide a dependable source of power and add value to their property. Adopting solar energy can help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a qualified installer. Luckily, we've done the research and assembled a guide to the best and most trustworthy solar installation companies in Cheektowaga.

Our Recommended Providers

Best Overall
4.7/5
  • High-quality Maxeon solar panels
  • Nearly 30 years in business
  • Great customer service
Best Solar Panel Leasing
4.2/5
  • Long warranty options
  • Insurance available on panels
  • Free Tesla Power Wall maintenance
Best Customer Service
3.9/5
  • Great customer service
  • Good warranty options
  • Excellent industry reputation

Top 6 Best Solar Companies in Cheektowaga

Solar By CIR Buffalo

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2517 Long Rd, Grand Island, NY 14072 (716) 362-5000 solarbycir.com

Informative resources

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Residential panels
Commercial panels
Community solar projects
Skilled repairs
Battery storage
Financing assistance

Go Solar WNY

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301 Walnut St, Lockport, NY 14094 (716) 880-6000 gosolarwny.com

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Battery storage
Residential panels
Financing assistance
Solar roof assessment

Geotherm, Inc: Geothermal & Solar Experts

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2226 N Rd, Scottsville, NY 14546 (585) 305-2574 geothermhvac.com

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Permit assistance
Residential panels
Commercial panels
Maintenance
Financing assistance

Fusion Energy Services

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278 Lima Rd, Geneseo, NY 14454 (585) 243-8212 fe-s.com

Free quotes

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Services Offered

Permit assistance
Residential panels
Commercial panels
Ev charger
Financing assistance

Solar by CIR Rochester

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4050 W Ridge Rd Suite 131, Rochester, NY 14626 (585) 667-5000 solarbycir.com

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Skilled repairs
Residential panels
Community solar projects
Battery storage
Commercial panels
Financing assistance

Greentech Renewables Rochester

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465 Paul Rd, Rochester, NY 14624 (585) 486-4900 cedgreentechus.com

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Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Commercial panels
Residential panels
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

How To Choose a Solar Company

Going solar can be a great way to save money on electricity costs and help the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some crucial factors to consider when determining whether a solar installer is trustworthy.

Check Licensing

It's imperative that your solar installer has the proper licensing. This ensures that the work is done properly using the most up-to-date installation methods. New York state does not issue licenses to contractors, so you should check with your city or county government for its specific requirements and regulations.

Read Customer Reviews

Check review sites like TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see feedback from past customers on local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's dependability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have no reviews or mostly negative ones.

Compare Multiple Quotes

To find a solar installer that fits your budget, ask for free, detailed quotes from 3–5 providers. The quotes should list all costs as well as all solar equipment included. Looking at several quotes helps you identify the option that best fits your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

Top-notch solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship warranty covers installation defects, such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment. A performance warranty guarantees a minimum energy output. Comprehensive guarantees indicate that a solar company believes in its work.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar energy can help reduce your energy expenses. Be sure to weigh these aspects when determining the cost and value of solar panels.

  • Look into utility rebates: Local electric providers may offer additional rebates to encourage homeowners to install solar panels. Check the requirements to qualify and the rebate values with your local power company to find out what you could save.
  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels can be purchased outright or financed through loans or leases. Check important financing details such as payment schedule, fees, annual percentage rate (APR), and ownership implications when financing your solar system.
  • Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal tax credit on the full cost of solar systems is available through 2032. Many states also provide incentives. These credits can lead to substantial savings for solar buyers.

Cost of Solar Installation in Cheektowaga

The cost of home solar panels in Cheektowaga depends on several factors, including your system's expected capacity and the type of solar technology being used. Generally speaking, a complete solar energy system could range from $3,650 per kilowatt, not including preliminary work, labor, or permit fees. Most solar systems in Cheektowaga are 4.6 kilowatts, and the typical Cheektowaga homeowners spends $11,696 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer leasing their solar panels to reduce upfront costs.

Cheektowaga Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: Loan Program

Website: nyserda.ny.gov

Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

100% exemption

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: nyserda.ny.gov

Incentive Amount:

Tier I: 10,000 kWh of expected annual energy production: $3.50/annual kWh
Tier II: 10,000 kWh - 125,000 kWh of expected annual energy production: $1.00/annual kWh
Tier III: 125,000 kWh - 1,000,000 kWh of expected annual energy production: $0.30/ annual kWh
Tier IV: Greater than 1,000,000 kWh of expected annual energy production: $0.15/ annual kWh
These incentives are additive.

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: tax.ny.gov

Incentive Amount:

25% for solar-electric (PV) and solar-thermal systems; for third-party owned systems this is in reference to the aggregate amount owed under the contract rather than the amount owed in any single year

Incentive Type: Loan Program

Website: ny-sun.ny.gov

Incentive Amount:

Residential Customers: $1,500 - $25,000

Small Business and Not-for-Profit Organizations:
Participation Loans: up to $100,000 (at low interest rate)
On-Bill Recovery loans: $50,000 at 2%

Incentive Type: Other Incentive

Website: greenbank.ny.gov

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Website: tax.ny.gov

Incentive Amount:

Upon local adoption, 20% - 100% of real property taxes owed; varies by year and certification level

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Website: tax.ny.gov

Incentive Amount:

100% of the value added to the residence by the improvements

Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

Upon local authorization, 100% exemption from local sales tax

Incentive Type: PACE Financing

Website: nyserda.ny.gov

Incentive Amount:

Locally determined

Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive

Website: tax.ny.gov

Incentive Amount:

100% exemption from state sales tax

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: nyserda.ny.gov

Incentive Amount:

Small Systems (≤ 10 cooling tons): $1,500/cooling ton
Large Systems (> 10 cooling tons): $1,200/cooling ton

Incentive Type: Corporate Tax Credit

Incentive Amount:

$0.01/gallon for each percent of biodiesel

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Website: tax.ny.gov

Incentive Amount:

100% exemption for 15 years (unless local jurisdiction has opted out)

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: ny-sun.ny.gov

Incentive Amount:

Incentive rates step down over time as MW goals are met. Incentive rates as of 11/27/2019 are:

Residential:
Long Island Region: $0.00/W (MW blocks have been fully subscribed)
Con Edison Region: $0.30/W
Upstate Region: $0.35/W
Low-to-Moderate income customers: $0.80/W (up to 10 kW)

Small Commercial (Non-Residential): Long Island Region: $0.00/W (MW blocks have been fully subscribed)
Con Edison Region: $0.60/W
Up State Region: $0.45/W

Multifamily Affordable Housing Adder: additional $0.40/W (up to 50 kW)

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: tax.ny.gov

Incentive Amount:

$0.01/gallon for each percent of biodiesel

Incentive Type: Performance-Based Incentive

Website: nyserda.ny.gov

Incentive Amount:

  • Capacity Incentive: Varies on the construction and design of the system
  • Performance Incentive: $0.025/kWh production payment for new systems for up to 10 years (estimated using a capacity factor of 75%)
  • Interconnection Incentive: up to 75% of the costs exceeding $5,000
  • Project Enhancement Incentives: Available for Black Start Capability, Hydrogen Sulfide reduction, design for accepting food waste and others

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Cheektowaga, NY

Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heating system.

There are a number of benefits to home solar energy. You can reduce emissions, qualify for tax benefits, and save money. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also offer you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.

It depends on your location and what type of panels you're installing. Cheektowaga can experience long, hard winters, so we recommend installing your system in the spring months to maximize your generation for the year.

Generally speaking, your energy bills will decrease significantly after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Cheektowaga, the average amount someone can save is $628 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system once the payback period passes.

When it comes to taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. As for insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should talk with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.

Some frequently-used types of home solar panels in Cheektowaga include monocrystalline, thin-film and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are balanced and efficient, while thin-film and polycrystalline panels pair good performance with greater upfront value. Ask your local provider about which solar panels they work with.

Solar panels are becoming more relevant than ever for their high efficiency and low maintenance costs. Depending on how much sunlight your property receives, you may find they're the best performing source of renewable energy compared to others.

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