Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rochester, NY (2023 Update)
- Rochester Solar Installation Cost: $8,611
- 25-Year Savings: $8,675
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rochester
We break down average solar pricing in Rochester.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rochester it's 2.95 per watt. Because a 4.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Rochester, the average price of going solar will be about $8,611 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Rochester homeowner can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Rochester for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in 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 Rochester
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be hard. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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
See all of the solar companies in Rochester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rochester
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Rochester: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels 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 largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Rochester homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Rochester, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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
The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Rochester, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rochester?
The average cost of solar panels in 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 stuff like the type 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 Rochester?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Rochester is currently $118,588, so you could be looking at a value of about $4,862 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Rochester is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.
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.