Solar Calculator for Western New York Residents
Calculate your Solar Panel Savings
There are two undisputable facts: the sun is still shining, and your home needs energy to run. Why not connect the two?
By installing a home solar system, you can turn free sunlight into long-term savings while protecting yourself from rising utility rates. With NYS incentives and skyrocketing utility rates, it’s still smart to go solar and lock in predictable energy costs for your home and budget.
$5,000 back. 25 years of savings. That’s the NYS solar plan.
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Calculator
With NYS incentives and skyrocketing utility rates, 2026 is still the smart time to go solar. Enter your current electric usage to see your savings!
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Results
$33,530 Estimated cost of System
(before Incentive)$5,000 Estimated savings
(NYS Incentive)$28,530 Estimated cost of System
(after Incentive)$260 Current Electric Bill$32 With SolarGet $5,000 Back from NYS Tax Incentives12,574 kWh Estimated Average Annual Usage
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How to use this savings calculator
Our Solar Panel Savings Calculator makes it easy to figure out how investing in a solar system for your home can help you save on – or virtually eliminate – your monthly electricity bill.
- Choose your payment preference: Select how you plan to pay for your solar system, either through “Financing” or “Cash”.
- Enter your average monthly electric bill: Use the slider to set the amount you typically pay.
- Select your utility company: Pick from the dropdown menu of utility providers.
- Projected utility increase: This will populate based on each utility’s projected 2026 rate increase. You can change the percentage to see how the numbers would change if rates were to go up or down.
- Enter your loan term (years): Select how long you plan to finance your system.
- Add your down payment: If paying cash or partially upfront, enter the amount.
- Click “Calculate My Solar Savings” and see how much you can save!
*Note: APR cannot be changed. This calculator is tailored to WNY residents.
The calculator will show you the total savings on your monthly and lifetime energy cost.
Quick definitions to know
Down Payment This is the initial amount you’ll put toward your new solar system. Whether you have $100 or $10,000 to contribute, what you’ll put down to start makes a big difference in how much your monthly payments will be and when you’ll realize a return on your investment. Our calculator sets your down payment initially as $5,000 – which is the maximum you can realize in tax credits from New York State. Tax Credit A dollar-for-dollar reduction on your New York State income tax for the year you get your solar system installed. The exact amount of tax savings depends on the size of your system, but the credit maxes out at $5,000. APR APR stands for “annual percentage rate,” which represents the yearly cost of borrowing money on a credit card or loan, including both interest and fees. Unlike a simple interest rate, the APR provides a more complete picture of the total expense of borrowing, allowing you to compare the cost of different loan packages more easily. Our default APR on financing is 7.99%. Term The length of time you’ll take to pay off your solar loan. Generally, a longer term means smaller monthly payments, while a shorter term pays the system off faster. Average Monthly Electric Bill The amount you usually pay for electricity each month currently. Entering this helps the calculator show how solar could lower your bill and boost your long-term savings. -
Contact Form
Fill out the form and a CIR representative will contact you with a no-obligation review of your options.
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Your Solar Estimates
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Before Solar |
After Solar |
| Lifetime Energy Cost (30 Years) | $209,556 | $82,932 |
| Lifetime Savings (30 Years) | $0 | $126,624 |
| Average Electricity Rate | 0.23¢/kWh | 0.1¢/kWh |
| Available Incentives | $0 | $5,000 |
The values on this page are estimates based on your location and monthly energy bill. You can fine-tune these estimates and get multiple offers with our expert energy advisors, contact us to get a quote.
Why Choose Us
Unlike other providers that might disappear, we’re committed to staying and serving our customers for the long haul. With Solar by CIR, you’re not just getting maintenance and repair services—you’re getting peace of mind.
Check our what people are saying on Google Reviews.
1400+
Satisfied Customers
144,149,632
kWh Produced
111,570
Tons of Carbon Offset
75,077
Tons of Coal Offset
FAQ
Looking for Answers?
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How Are Things Changing for Solar From 2025 to 2026?
The biggest change is that the 30% federal solar tax credit is set to expire at the end of 2025, meaning new projects started in 2026 won’t qualify for that savings. While it’s unclear if the federal government will offer a tax incentive again, New York’s state incentives remain in place. And with utility rates projected to keep climbing, solar continues to deliver strong long-term value for homeowners.
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Is Solar Still Worth It?
Even with federal tax credits going away after 2025, yes. With utility rates continuing to rise, every kilowatt you generate at home reduces what you pay the power company each month (with the right-sized systems, you can all-but-eliminate your electricity bill). On top of that, New York homeowners can claim a 25% state tax credit (up to $5,000) on their initial investment in a home solar system.
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How Long Does it Take for a Solar System to Pay for Itself?
Most systems in New York pay for themselves within 7-10 years, depending on energy use and incentives. After that, the energy you generate is essentially free.
However, you’ll start saving from the moment your solar system is fully installed. In most cases, the amount you’ll pay on your loan monthly (assuming outright pay for your system) is less than what your electric bill was. On top of that, loan rates are fixed – that means you’ll pay the exact same amount on it every month and won’t be subjected to utility rate hikes as they’re approved by the state.
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Do I Need to Pay Anything Upfront on My Solar Panel Project?
Most homeowners do put some money down when they go solar, but the amount depends on the loan you choose and its requirements. Some financing options allow as little as $0 down, while others may require an initial payment to secure a lower monthly rate. If you prefer, you can also pay in cash to maximize long-term savings. Our calculator shows both cash and financing scenarios so you can compare what works best for your budget.
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Will Solar Work on My Home?
In most cases, yes. Solar performs best on roofs with plenty of space and direct sunlight, but even homes with some shading can often benefit. And if your roof isn’t the right fit, a ground-mounted system can be a great alternative. The best way to know your options is with a professional site assessment, which measures your roof, yard, sun exposure, and energy use to show how much you could save.
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What Happens if I Sell my Home After Installing a Solar System?
Solar can actually increase your home’s value. Studies show that homes with solar often sell faster and for more than those without. If you financed your system, options are available to transfer or pay off the loan during the sale process. It’s best to check with your loan provider to learn more.
