Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Rochester, NY (Mar 2023)
- East Rochester Solar Installation Cost: $8,611
- 25-Year Savings: $8,675
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Rochester
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in East Rochester.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in East Rochester it's 2.95 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in East Rochester, most homeowners require a 4.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $8,611, or $12,314 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in East Rochester based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average East Rochester homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in East Rochester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,920 |
| 3 years | $-6,537 |
| 5 years | $-5,154 |
| 7 years | $-3,771 |
| 9 years | $-2,388 |
| 11 years | $-1,005 |
| 13 years | $378 |
| 15 years | $1,761 |
| 17 years | $3,144 |
| 19 years | $4,527 |
| 21 years | $5,909 |
| 23 years | $7,292 |
| 25 years | $8,675 |
Top Solar Installers in East Rochester
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 East Rochester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Rochester
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in East Rochester: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy 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 around $2,950. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining how much you pay. East Rochester's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.07 | $12,886 | $11,990 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $16,317 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $20,810 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $25,467 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $30,290 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $35,278 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $40,431 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $45,749 | 11.2 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 models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 East Rochester, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Rochester?
The average cost of solar panels in East Rochester is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in East Rochester?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.