Buffalo Scoop
West Senca Chamber Ad

Homeowners can reap the financial benefits of solar energy

Jan 31, 2017 | Financial

Whether you’re putting an addition on your house or simply giving the interior a fresh coat of paint, there’s nothing like the feeling of achievement that comes with the completion of a home improvement project. Now imagine if that completed project also resulted in significant energy savings, putting more cash into your pocket and less pollution into the environment.

Does that sound too good to be true? Well, it’s not. Welcome to the world of solar energy.

“When we talk to most people about solar energy they say, ‘We can’t afford it,’ ” said Alicia Uebelhoer, co-owner of Buffalo Solar Solutions, Inc. “But with today’s incentives, solar tax credits and affordable financing, we tell those people that if they can afford to pay their monthly electric bill, they can afford solar. And eventually, when the solar equipment has been paid off, you’re only responsible for the basic hook up fee, which is currently $15 to $17 a month.”

“In almost all cases, we can eliminate a customer’s electric bill and replace it with a solar payment which is almost always the same — or less — than what they are currently paying their utility company,” added co-owner Tyler Uebelhoer. “An added bonus is that your solar payment is locked in at the price given, so it will not fluctuate like your current electric bill.”

Buffalo Solar Solutions has teamed up with Sungage Financial to offer affordable loans ranging from five to 20 years. The team at Sungage Financial is dedicated to making an investment in solar as simple, easy and affordable as possible for all homeowners. Sungage loans can be paid off early with no penalties or fees, and the company also floats the solar tax credits for customers at 0 percent interest for one tax season. Please contact Sungage or Buffalo Solar Solutions for additional information on financial strategies for going solar.

In addition to affordable financing, there are several federal, state and NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research & Development) incentives currently offered to homeowners considering the switch to solar. The NYSERDA incentives are only being offered for a limited time, making this the perfect time to go solar.

“With a FICO credit score of 640, homeowners will be approved for $0 down financing,” added Alicia. “In order to take advantage of the federal and state Solar Tax Credits, you need to be working or have some type of taxable income coming in. When you get a free solar quote, we recommend that you talk to your accountant to make sure you can recoup these tax credits. Most people can recoup them in the first or second year, however, you have up to five years to recoup.

“So instead of giving your money to the utility company every month, invest  in your home with a locked-in solar payment rate. Utility rates are only going to go higher as more people go solar, but with solar panels you’re locked into your own rates and eventually your solar payment ends. You’re in control, so reap the benefits!”

Buffalo Solar Solutions is located at 1212 Abbott Road, Suite A, Buffalo. Please visit www.buffalosolarsolutions.com, call 800-7775 or follow the company on Facebook for frequent updates.

West Senca Chamber Ad