Solar savings & payback in Buffalo
Lake-effect clouds cut winter output; annual economics still work on NY incentives.
This calculator uses Buffalo's own sun (~3.4 kWh/kW/day, 6% below the NY average) with New York's rate and export rules. For a typical $150/month bill we estimate a payback of about 9.4 years.
- Buffalo sun
- ~3.4 kWh/kW/day
- NY average sun
- ~3.6 kWh/kW/day
- Electricity rate
- 24¢/kWh
- Net metering
- Full retail net metering (1:1)
Statewide policy, incentives, and the full cost-by-size table live on the New York page
Where your money goes
Your 25-year money curve
What the planet gets
Net metering credits exported power against what you draw from the grid. Rates vary by state, California's NEM 3.0 pays much less for exports than 1:1 states.
Enter a valid monthly bill and tariff greater than zero to see your results.
Buffalo solar FAQs
Is solar worth it in Buffalo?
For a typical $150/month bill, we estimate a Buffalo system pays for itself in about 9.4 years, using local sun (~3.4 kWh per kW per day), New York's average 24¢/kWh rate, and full retail net metering (1:1). No federal tax credit is assumed (it expired at the end of 2025). Lake-effect clouds cut winter output; annual economics still work on NY incentives.
How much do solar panels generate in Buffalo?
Roughly 3.4 kWh per installed kW per day averaged over the year, about 1,241 kWh per kW annually. A typical 6kW system produces around 7400 kWh a year here. Roof orientation and shading move these figures.
What rebates are available in Buffalo?
NY-Sun rebate plus a 25% state tax credit (capped at $5,000). Utility-level programs come and go, check your utility's website and dsireusa.org for anything city-specific before signing.