Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rochester, NH (2023 Update)
- Rochester Solar Installation Cost: $10,004
- 25-Year Savings: $14,996
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rochester
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Rochester.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rochester it's 2.91 per watt. The average Rochester homeowner needs a 4.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,002 with the federal tax credit, or $14,303 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Rochester based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rochester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,597 |
| 3 years | $-5,784 |
| 5 years | $-2,970 |
| 7 years | $-156 |
| 9 years | $2,657 |
| 11 years | $5,471 |
| 13 years | $8,284 |
| 15 years | $11,098 |
| 17 years | $13,912 |
| 19 years | $16,725 |
| 21 years | $19,539 |
| 23 years | $22,353 |
| 25 years | $25,166 |
Top Solar Installers in Rochester
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Another upside of going with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Rochester:
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 a number of factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,910 per kilowatt in Rochester. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Rochester, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Rochester homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. 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 on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Rochester, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.03 | $12,711 | $17,832 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.97 | $16,622 | $24,101 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.91 | $20,370 | $30,534 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.85 | $23,955 | $37,130 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.79 | $27,377 | $43,889 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.74 | $30,636 | $50,810 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.68 | $33,733 | $57,895 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.62 | $36,666 | $65,142 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, 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.
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, NH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rochester?
The average cost of solar panels in Rochester is about $14,550 for a 5-kW system and $29,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Rochester?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 home 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.