Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rochester, NY (2024 Update)
- Rochester Solar Installation Cost: $10,653
- 25-Year Savings: $8,676
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rochester
We break down average solar pricing in Rochester.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Rochester, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Rochester homeowner needs a 4.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,653 with the federal tax credit, or $15,234 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Rochester that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Rochester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,746 |
| 3 years | $-7,934 |
| 5 years | $-6,122 |
| 7 years | $-4,309 |
| 9 years | $-2,497 |
| 11 years | $-684 |
| 13 years | $1,128 |
| 15 years | $2,941 |
| 17 years | $4,753 |
| 19 years | $6,566 |
| 21 years | $8,378 |
| 23 years | $10,190 |
| 25 years | $12,003 |
Top Solar Installers in Rochester
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Rochester, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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
There are a number of factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,650. Some solar 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
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 varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $8,933 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $12,319 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $15,910 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $19,705 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $23,704 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $27,908 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $32,317 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $36,929 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Rochester, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rochester?
The average cost of solar panels in Rochester is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Rochester?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Rochester. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate 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 $829.19 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.