Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rochester, PA (2023 Update)
- Rochester Solar Installation Cost: $12,468
- 25-Year Savings: $14,511
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rochester
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Rochester.
In Rochester, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Rochester, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,459, or $17,816 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Rochester homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Rochester can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Rochester for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Rochester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,831 |
| 3 years | $-7,557 |
| 5 years | $-4,283 |
| 7 years | $-1,009 |
| 9 years | $2,265 |
| 11 years | $5,538 |
| 13 years | $8,812 |
| 15 years | $12,086 |
| 17 years | $15,360 |
| 19 years | $18,634 |
| 21 years | $21,908 |
| 23 years | $25,181 |
| 25 years | $28,455 |
Top Solar Installers in Rochester
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several 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
See all of the solar companies in Rochester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rochester
The cost of installing a solar system in Rochester can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,550 per kilowatt in Rochester. 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 isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Rochester homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Rochester's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice 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 promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $12,037 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,334 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,775 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $25,358 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $30,085 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $34,954 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $39,965 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $45,120 | 10.4 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: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rochester?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for 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 option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Does Rochester have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity 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.
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.