Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rochester, MA (2023 Update)
- Rochester Solar Installation Cost: $8,520
- 25-Year Savings: $15,963
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rochester
See how much it might cost to go solar in Rochester.
The average cost of solar panels in Rochester is 2.94 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Rochester is around 4.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,520 for a solar installation, or $12,184 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Rochester can save about $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rochester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,541 |
| 3 years | $-5,582 |
| 5 years | $-3,623 |
| 7 years | $-1,665 |
| 9 years | $294 |
| 11 years | $2,253 |
| 13 years | $4,211 |
| 15 years | $6,170 |
| 17 years | $8,128 |
| 19 years | $10,087 |
| 21 years | $12,046 |
| 23 years | $14,004 |
| 25 years | $15,963 |
Top Solar Installers in Rochester
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and expertise. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Rochester, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Rochester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rochester
For many Rochester homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy 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 various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,940. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher 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 prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment 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 | $3.06 | $12,842 | $22,658 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $30,540 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $38,586 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $46,797 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $55,173 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $63,713 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $72,418 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $81,288 | 7.8 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though 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 make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Rochester, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rochester?
The average cost of solar panels in Rochester is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Rochester?
You can't get solar panels for free in Rochester. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Rochester, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.