Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rochester, IL (2023 Update)
- Rochester Solar Installation Cost: $11,952
- 25-Year Savings: $16,483
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rochester
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Rochester.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rochester it's 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Rochester, most homeowners require a 6.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,944, or $17,080 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Despite the large initial cost, the average Rochester homeowner can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Rochester for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Rochester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,857 |
| 3 years | $-11,667 |
| 5 years | $-11,478 |
| 7 years | $-11,288 |
| 9 years | $-11,099 |
| 11 years | $-10,909 |
| 13 years | $-10,720 |
| 15 years | $-10,530 |
| 17 years | $-10,340 |
| 19 years | $-10,151 |
| 21 years | $-9,961 |
| 23 years | $-9,772 |
| 25 years | $-9,582 |
Top Solar Installers in Rochester
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Rochester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rochester
There are many factors that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Rochester, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Rochester is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Rochester know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $15,354 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $20,778 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $26,354 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $32,084 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $37,966 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $44,001 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $50,190 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $56,531 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Rochester, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rochester?
The average cost of solar panels in Rochester is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Rochester?
A solar panel system isn't free in Rochester, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.