Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rochester, WI (2023 Update)
- Rochester Solar Installation Cost: $12,722
- 25-Year Savings: $27,026
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rochester
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Rochester.
In Rochester, solar panels cost about 2.6 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Rochester, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,722, or $18,192 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Rochester can save about $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Rochester for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Rochester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,132 |
| 3 years | $-7,952 |
| 5 years | $-4,772 |
| 7 years | $-1,592 |
| 9 years | $1,587 |
| 11 years | $4,767 |
| 13 years | $7,947 |
| 15 years | $11,127 |
| 17 years | $14,307 |
| 19 years | $17,487 |
| 21 years | $20,667 |
| 23 years | $23,846 |
| 25 years | $27,026 |
Top Solar Installers in Rochester
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Another benefit of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Rochester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rochester
For many Rochester homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rochester, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,600. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Rochester homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Rochester, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points 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 cost more. 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 fit into 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 | $2.70 | $11,357 | $22,783 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $30,668 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $38,699 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $46,876 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $55,198 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $63,666 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $72,279 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $81,038 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Rochester, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rochester?
The average cost of solar panels in Rochester is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Rochester?
You can't get solar panels for free in Rochester. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,137.98 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.