Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rochester, NY (Jan 2023)
- Rochester Solar Installation Cost: $8,611
- 25-Year Savings: $8,675
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rochester
We break down average solar pricing in Rochester.
The average cost of a solar system in Rochester is $3 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.2 would cost about $8,611 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Rochester see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a custom quote.
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
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Rochester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rochester
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,950 per kilowatt in Rochester. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Rochester provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Rochester homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Rochester is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 | $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 company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 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 real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial 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 areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $829.19 per year.
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 uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.