Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rochester, MI (2023 Update)
- Rochester Solar Installation Cost: $12,156
- 25-Year Savings: $12,964
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rochester
We go over average solar pricing in Rochester.
In Rochester, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. The average Rochester homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,156 with the federal tax credit, or $17,383 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Rochester can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Rochester, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rochester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,151 |
| 3 years | $-9,142 |
| 5 years | $-7,132 |
| 7 years | $-5,123 |
| 9 years | $-3,113 |
| 11 years | $-1,103 |
| 13 years | $906 |
| 15 years | $2,916 |
| 17 years | $4,925 |
| 19 years | $6,935 |
| 21 years | $8,945 |
| 23 years | $10,954 |
| 25 years | $12,964 |
Top Solar Installers in Rochester
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and know-how. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
See all of the solar companies in Rochester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rochester
For many Rochester homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests 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
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 primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Rochester average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Rochester, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to factor 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. 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 prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.92 | $12,274 | $12,125 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $16,481 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $20,995 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $25,666 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $30,494 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $35,480 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $40,623 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $45,924 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be 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 to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch's Rochester, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rochester?
The average cost of solar panels in Rochester is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Rochester?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually 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 get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Rochester?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.