Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rochester, MN (2023 Update)
- Rochester Solar Installation Cost: $14,335
- 25-Year Savings: $22,734
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rochester
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Rochester.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Rochester typically cost about 2.84. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Rochester, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,333, or $20,496 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. With average savings of about $20,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Rochester find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Rochester that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Rochester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,982 |
| 3 years | $-10,276 |
| 5 years | $-7,570 |
| 7 years | $-4,864 |
| 9 years | $-2,158 |
| 11 years | $548 |
| 13 years | $3,254 |
| 15 years | $5,960 |
| 17 years | $8,666 |
| 19 years | $11,372 |
| 21 years | $14,078 |
| 23 years | $16,784 |
| 25 years | $19,490 |
Top Solar Installers in Rochester
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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
There are many factors that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
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 mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,840 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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 electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Rochester average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Rochester have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's wise to add 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Rochester is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $2.95 | $12,405 | $18,439 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $24,904 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $31,527 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $38,310 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $45,252 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $52,352 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $59,612 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $67,031 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Rochester, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rochester?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Rochester, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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.