Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rochester, NH (2025 Update)
- Rochester Solar Installation Cost: $14,508
- 25-Year Savings: $14,996
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rochester
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Rochester.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Rochester, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.9-kW system would cost about $14,508 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
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 | $-13,101 |
| 3 years | $-10,287 |
| 5 years | $-7,474 |
| 7 years | $-4,660 |
| 9 years | $-1,846 |
| 11 years | $967 |
| 13 years | $3,781 |
| 15 years | $6,595 |
| 17 years | $9,408 |
| 19 years | $12,222 |
| 21 years | $15,035 |
| 23 years | $17,849 |
| 25 years | $20,663 |
Top Solar Installers in Rochester
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Another great thing about going with a vetted solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you're searching for a solar company in Rochester, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Rochester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rochester
Though the average cost of a solar system in Rochester is $14,508, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better 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 limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence the cost. Rochester’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.39 | $18,433 | $12,110 | 15.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.30 | $24,105 | $16,619 | 14.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.22 | $29,540 | $21,364 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $4.14 | $34,739 | $26,346 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $4.05 | $39,702 | $31,564 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.97 | $44,428 | $37,019 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.88 | $48,918 | $42,709 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.80 | $53,172 | $48,636 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, 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:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind 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 making your decision.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
EcoWatch's Rochester, NH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rochester?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $21,100 for a 5-kW system and $42,200 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Rochester?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your 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 produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Rochester?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.