Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rochester, IN (2025 Update)
- Rochester Solar Installation Cost: $25,666
- 25-Year Savings: $27,699
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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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.Since 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.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Rochester homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Rochester can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
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
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Rochester, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Rochester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rochester
The cost of installing a solar system in Rochester can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,100.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Rochester, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Rochester, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 large number of companies available in Rochester, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I 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 drawback 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Rochester?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.