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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.
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Solar energy can help reduce your energy expenses. Be sure to weigh these aspects when determining the cost and value of solar panels.
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.
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
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: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Upon local authorization, 100% exemption from local sales tax
Incentive Type: Corporate Tax Credit
Incentive Amount:
$0.01/gallon for each percent of biodiesel
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 Amount:
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.