Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rochester, IN (2024 Update)

  • Rochester Solar Installation Cost: $25,666
  • 25-Year Savings: $27,699
  • Payback Period: 14.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rochester

Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Rochester.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rochester it’s 4 per watt.Because a 8.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Rochester, the average price of going solar will be about $25,666 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

How much you pay can be above or below the average in Rochester depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Rochester can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Rochester

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-23,946
3 years $-20,507
5 years $-17,067
7 years $-13,628
9 years $-10,188
11 years $-6,749
13 years $-3,310
15 years $130
17 years $3,569
19 years $7,009
21 years $10,448
23 years $13,888
25 years $17,327

Top Solar Installers in Rochester

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another upside of working with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Rochester, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Rochester

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rochester

For many Rochester homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rochester, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $4,100. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Rochester, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Rochester to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Rochester is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $4.26 $17,909 $11,931 15.0 years
8 kW $4.18 $23,419 $16,368 14.7 years
10 kW $4.10 $28,700 $21,033 14.4 years
12 kW $4.02 $33,751 $25,929 14.1 years
14 kW $3.94 $38,573 $31,054 13.8 years
16 kW $3.85 $43,165 $36,409 13.6 years
18 kW $3.77 $47,527 $41,993 13.3 years
20 kW $3.69 $51,660 $47,807 13.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Rochester, IN Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rochester?

The average cost of solar panels in Rochester is about $20,500 for a 5-kW system and $41,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Rochester?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.

Does Rochester have a net metering program?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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.

Follow us