Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Buffalo, West Virginia. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A locally-owned and operated company specializing in custom-designed residential solar systems. They are well-regarded for their expertise in handling West Virginia's specific terrain and for their deep knowledge of state-specific net metering policies and incentives. Their team handles the entire process from consultation to permitting and installation.
As one of the most prominent solar installers in the state, Solar Holler is known for making solar accessible through various financing options, including their unique solar loan partnerships. They have a strong mission focus on bringing solar jobs to the region and have installed systems across West Virginia, with extensive experience in both residential and commercial projects.
Part of a larger national network, this local franchise brings the buying power and manufacturer relationships of a big company to the West Virginia market. They are known for high-quality equipment, robust warranties, and a professional, streamlined customer experience. They offer comprehensive services from design to maintenance.
The home solar market in and around Buffalo, WV, is a developing one characterized by high-quality, specialized providers rather than high-volume competition. Due to the rural nature of the area, there are no "mass-market" national installers with a local presence; instead, the market is served by dedicated regional companies based in cities like Charleston and Huntington. These providers are adept at designing systems for a variety of property types, including larger rural lots common in the Buffalo area. The competition level is moderate but specialized, with each leading company carving out a specific strength, whether it's local policy expertise (Mountaineer Solar), innovative financing (Solar Holler), or national-brand backing (RevoluSun). Typical pricing is competitive with national averages, but the final cost is highly dependent on the home's specific energy needs, roof type, and the complexity of the installation due to the local terrain. Customers benefit from the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), and installers in this region are well-versed in guiding homeowners through this and any applicable local utility incentives.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Buffalo regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Buffalo, West Virginia.
Buffalo's climate offers a good mix of sun and cloud cover. While winter days are shorter and can be cloudy, solar panels actually operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures, and they will still generate power on overcast days. Importantly, snowfall can temporarily reduce production, but panels are installed at an angle to help shed snow, and their dark surfaces accelerate melting, minimizing long-term impact.
The gross cost for a typical home solar system in the Buffalo area ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, West Virginia offers a state tax credit of 30% of the system cost (capped at $2,000), which stacks with the 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This can reduce your net cost by thousands. Additionally, West Virginia has property tax exemptions for the added home value from solar.
Yes, you will need a building permit from the Putnam County Building Department, and your installer typically handles this. The critical local step is interconnection with Appalachian Power (ApCo), your utility. You must submit an application to ApCo for net metering, which credits you for excess power sent to the grid. West Virginia law mandates net metering for utilities, but ApCo has specific technical requirements your installer will manage.
Prioritize installers with extensive local experience in West Virginia, as they understand ApCo's interconnection process, local building codes, and regional weather considerations. Ensure they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured in WV. Ask for references from recent installations in Putnam or nearby counties and verify they provide robust warranties on both equipment and workmanship.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during a power outage for safety, even if the sun is shining, unless you have a specific backup solution. For backup power during Buffalo's winter storms, you need to pair your solar with a battery storage system (like a Tesla Powerwall) or a solar-ready generator. This setup can keep critical circuits running by storing excess solar energy for use when the grid is down.