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Best 3 Solar Companies in Niagara Falls, NY
The best solar company in Niagara Falls is Solar By CIR Buffalo.
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- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
Niagara Falls homeowners are committed to conserving resources and practicing eco-friendly lifestyles. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the best solar professionals for their homes. Local homeowners might opt for solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. An experienced solar company can help you install and optimize a system that matches your energy needs without breaking the bank. Discover Niagara Falls' top-rated solar companies and learn essential decision-making tips on this page.
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Builds custom, high-efficiency solar systems suited to each home
- Extensive coverage area throughout the country
- Offers energy storage and EV charger add-ons
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Provides system monitoring
- Offers diverse financing options for various budgets
- Provides EV and solar battery solutions
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Offers 7 panel brand options
- 25-year workmanship warranty
- Offers battery options
3 Best Solar Companies in Niagara Falls
Brands are algorithmically curated from a database of local service providers near you. We require a minimum number of Google reviews and average ratings for provider inclusion.
Solar By CIR Buffalo
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Go Solar WNY
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Geotherm, Inc: Geothermal & Solar Experts
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Ranking Methodology
We assessed a multitude of Niagara Falls solar providers, using the following criteria to choose the top-notch:
- Customer feedback and reviews: Most Niagara Falls solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
- Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
- Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and optimize its performance.
- Service offerings and warranties: Solar installers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
- Professional licenses and credentials: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Niagara Falls community for more than a decade.
Facts about Niagara Falls
- Average Max Temperature:54°F
- Solar Payback Period:16 years
- Average Daily Sunlight:54%
- Homes Powered by Solar:291
- Average Annual Energy Bill:$909
- Solar Power per Capita:59.8%
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple benefits. Let's look at a few of them.
- Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the added cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
- Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery storage systems work through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the electrical grid for your safety and well-being.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Niagara Falls Homeowners?
Governments and power companies often reward homeowners for adopting solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.
Incentive Type:PACE Financing
Website:https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/all-programs/programs/commercial-property-assessed-clean-energy
Incentive Amount:
Locally determined
Incentive Type:Personal Tax Credit
Website:http://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/credits/solar_energy_system_equipment_credit.htm
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:Corporate Tax Credit
Incentive Amount:
$0.01/gallon for each percent of biodiesel
Incentive Type:Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Type:Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Upon local authorization, 100% exemption from local sales tax
Incentive Type:Sales Tax Incentive
Website:https://www.tax.ny.gov/pubs_and_bulls/publications/sales/st_pubs_and_bulls_by_number.htm
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption from state sales tax
Incentive Type:Property Tax Incentive
Website:https://www.tax.ny.gov/research/property/assess/manuals/vol4/pt2/sec4_06/sec470.htm
Incentive Amount:
Upon local adoption, 20% - 100% of real property taxes owed; varies by year and certification level
Incentive Type:Property Tax Incentive
Website:http://www.tax.ny.gov/research/property/assess/manuals/vol4/pt1/sec4_01/sec487_a.htm
Incentive Amount:
100% of the value added to the residence by the improvements
Incentive Type:Property Tax Incentive
Website:http://www.tax.ny.gov/research/property/assess/manuals/vol4/pt1/sec4_01/sec487.htm
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption for 15 years (unless local jurisdiction has opted out)
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:http://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:Rebate Program
Website:https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/Ground-Source-Heat-Pump-Rebate
Incentive Amount:
Small Systems (≤ 10 cooling tons): $1,500/cooling ton
Large Systems (> 10 cooling tons): $1,200/cooling ton
Incentive Type:Other Incentive
Website:http://greenbank.ny.gov/
Incentive Type:Personal Tax Credit
Incentive Amount:
$0.01/gallon for each percent of biodiesel
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
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:Performance-Based Incentive
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:https://www.ecowatch.com/solar/ev-appliance-solar-tax-credit-calculator
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.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Niagara Falls
Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar system. Consider all of these criteria in your contractor search.
Licensing and Training
New York regulators do not issue licenses to contractors, so you should check with your city or county government for its specific requirements and regulations. Solar companies can also obtain certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in Niagara Falls
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.
Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar companies provide these extras, so look for a company that sells them if it's essential for you.
Generally speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Niagara Falls. This table lists more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,106.79 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $863.29 |
| Thin-Film | $504.69 |
| Solar Battery | $708.34 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,656.29 |
Financing Solar Energy in Niagara Falls
There are various ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include cash payments, leases, loans, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Similar to a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in particular circumstances. Look for providers that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Niagara Falls.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and specialized financing options that could save you more.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 2.6 years |
| 2 kW | 5.1 years |
| 5 kW | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | 25.7 years |
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar in Niagara Falls
On average, Niagara Falls homeowners pay around $909 per year on energy bills. Once you repay your solar array, you could reduce your costs by $779.28 per kilowatt you produce.
Yes, solar energy is becoming increasingly popular in Niagara Falls. Some homes already generate solar power on-site or through utility grids, and they're supported by a state solar economy with 10740 job opportunities and counting.
Yes, new solar systems translate to higher property values according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL.) Homeowners could project a $20 property value increase for each dollar they save on energy. Therefore, $600 in energy savings could increase your home's value by $12,000.
Solar panels could still work well in dark areas. Your contractor will orient your panels to capture the most sunlight possible. They might also recommend a back-up power source to keep your system working at its best.
There's no universal answer for how long a solar project might take. Ultimately, it depends on system size, the permitting and inspection process, panel style, local weather, and the necessary prework. Many homeowners can be solar-ready within two months from their initial estimate visit.
To preserve your solar system's performance, inspections and cleanings every six months are usually adequate. In dry or dusty seasons, your panels might need cleanings every one to two months. Your installer can recommend a maintenance schedule. Its team could also do the cleaning for you.
Even the most respected Niagara Falls solar installers will have both supportive and critical reviews. To make the most informed decision possible, focus on these signs to know if a company isn't worth your attention:
- High-pressure sales tactics
- Dodging questions about warranties, training and credentials, references and cost
- Inflexible options
- Not thoroughly inspecting your site
- Limited customer feedback
Sources
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