Solar Panels in Rochester, New York

Q: How much do solar panels cost in Rochester, New York?

A typical 8 kW system in Rochester costs approximately $22,400 installed (2026 average: ~$2.80/W). The federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025 and is no longer available for residential buyers. Your net cost is $22,344 after the New York state credit.

Q: Is solar worth it in Rochester without the federal tax credit?

Rochester produces 1154.5 kWh/kWp/year. An 8 kW system saves $2,620/year and pays back in 5.8 years — even without the expired federal credit. Solar is very worth it in Rochester.

Q: How long is the solar payback period in Rochester?

The payback period in Rochester is approximately 5.8 years, based on 1154.5 kWh/kWp annual yield (PVGIS v5.3) and a 28.37¢/kWh electricity rate (EIA data, updated April 11, 2026).

Rochester receives 1154.5 kWh per kWp of solar panels per year — 24.2% below the US national average of 1,550 kWh/kWp. At New York's electricity rate of 28.37¢/kWh, an 8 kW system saves roughly $2,620/year and pays back in 5.8 years.

Solar is very worth it in Rochester. Note: The 30% federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. The numbers below reflect today's actual costs.

Annual yield:1154.5 kWh/kWp

Electricity rate:28.37¢/kWh

Payback:5.8 yrs

Location:43.16°N

Rochester Solar at a Glance

Annual solar yield1154.5 kWh/kWp/yr

Optimal tilt angle33° south-facing

Avg. daily sun hours18.6 hrs/day

Electricity rate28.37¢ per kWh

8 kW system cost (2026)$22,400

New York state credit− $56

Your net cost$22,344

Annual savings$2,620/yr

Payback period5.8 years

Last updated: April 11, 2026 · Sources: PVGIS v5.3, EIA

How Much Solar Power Does Rochester Get Each Month?

Monthly solar yield (kWh per kWp installed) based on PVGIS satellite data for 43.16°N, 77.61°W.

104

121

137

127

135

129

106

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Best month: 136.7 kWh/kWp (May)Worst month: 42.2 kWh/kWp (Dec)Monthly avg: 96 kWh/kWp

Live Solar Forecast for Rochester

Real-time generation estimate for an 8 kW system based on today's weather forecast. Data: forecast.solar.

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Is a Home Battery Worth It in Rochester?

A battery stores excess midday solar for use at peak evening hours. At 28.37¢/kWh in Rochester, here is the math for the two most popular options.

Tesla Powerwall 3

Capacity

13.5 kWh

Installed cost

$11,500

Annual savings

$1,118

Payback

10.3 yrs

10-year value: $11,180 · Based on 365 cycles/yr, 28.37¢/kWh, 80% usable capacity. Does not include backup value or utility TOU rate savings.

Generic LFP 10 kWh

Capacity

10 kWh

Installed cost

$8,000

Annual savings

$794

Payback

10.1 yrs

10-year value: $7,940 · Based on 350 cycles/yr, 28.37¢/kWh, 80% usable capacity. Does not include backup value or utility TOU rate savings.

Battery ROI improves significantly in states with Time-of-Use (TOU) rates where peak electricity can cost 2–3× the off-peak rate. California (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E), New York (ConEd), and Massachusetts (Eversource) have the strongest TOU incentives for battery storage.

What Are the 25-Year Solar Savings in Rochester?

Based on 1154.5 kWh/kWp/yr yield, 28.37¢/kWh electricity rate, and a 2026 system cost of $2.80/W. Federal tax credit expired Dec 31, 2025 — not included.

System cost

$22,400

Installed, 8 kW

State credit

−$56

New York only

Net investment

$22,344

Your actual cost

25-yr savings

$62,225

Est. lifetime benefit

Federal Solar Tax Credit Update: The 30% residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired on December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill. Cash and loan purchases no longer qualify for the federal credit. State and local incentives below may still apply — check with your installer.

What Solar Incentives Are Available in Rochester, New York?

The federal ITC expired in 2025. These state and utility incentives still apply in New York.

New York State Tax Credit

0% of cost back on your state income taxes.

Property Tax Exemption

New York exempts the solar-added home value from property taxes. A $22,400 system won't raise your tax bill.

Sales Tax Exemption

Solar equipment is sales-tax exempt in New York — saving you hundreds at purchase.

Net Metering

Full retail net metering through ConEd, National Grid, NYSEG. Small monthly Customer Benefit Contribution (~$9–30/month).

Utility & Local Programs

25% state tax credit (up to $5,000), NY-Sun cash incentives, NYC property tax abatement

See all New York incentives Solar learning guides

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Solar Panels in Rochester: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do solar panels cost in Rochester, New York in 2026?

In Rochester, a typical 8 kW solar system costs approximately $22,400 installed (at ~$2.80/W, the 2026 US average). The federal solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025, so that 30% rebate is no longer available for residential cash or loan purchases. New York's state tax credit saves an additional $56, bringing your net cost to $22,344. Prices vary by installer, panel brand, and roof complexity.

Is solar worth it in Rochester without the federal tax credit?

Rochester generates 1154.5 kWh per kWp annually — 24.2% below the US average. At New York's electricity rate of 28.37¢/kWh, an 8 kW system saves roughly $2,620/year and pays back in about 5.8 years — even without the expired federal credit. Solar is very worth it in Rochester.

How much electricity do solar panels produce in Rochester?

In Rochester, each kW of solar panels produces approximately 1154.5 kWh per year. An 8 kW system generates about 9,236 kWh annually — enough to cover the average New York household's electricity use. Peak production hits 136.7 kWh/kWp in May, with the lowest output of 42.2 kWh/kWp in Dec. Data source: PVGIS v5.3 satellite radiation model.

What solar incentives are available in Rochester, New York?

the expired federal tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025 and is no longer available for residential buyers. New York still offers a state tax credit of 0% (up to $56). New York also exempts solar systems from property tax assessments. Sales tax on solar equipment is waived in New York. Net metering and local utility programs may provide additional savings.

How long is the solar payback period in Rochester?

In Rochester, the average payback period for an 8 kW solar system is approximately 5.8 years. This is based on 1154.5 kWh/kWp annual yield (PVGIS data), a 28.37¢/kWh electricity rate (EIA 2026 data), and an $22,400 installed cost. After payback, the system produces free electricity for 15–20 more years.

Environmental Impact & Home Value in Rochester

An 8 kW solar system in Rochester produces roughly 9,236 kWh/year. Here is what that means beyond your electricity bill.

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CO₂ avoided per year

3.6 tonnes

3,565 kg · EPA grid avg 0.386 kg/kWh

🌳

Tree equivalent

164 trees

Trees needed to absorb same CO₂ annually

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Home value boost

+$1,546

Avg +6.9% (Lawrence Berkeley Lab / Zillow data)

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US homes powered

Avg US home uses 10,632 kWh/yr (EIA 2024)

How Many Solar Panels Do You Need in Rochester?

The right system size depends on your annual electricity usage and how much of your bill you want to offset. In Rochester, where annual solar yield is 1154.5 kWh per kWp, here is what different households typically need:

Annual usage	System size	Panels (400 W)	Est. cost	Annual savings
6,000 kWh Small home	5.2 kW	13 panels	$14,560	$1,702/yr
10,800 kWh Average home	9.4 kW	24 panels	$26,320	$3,064/yr
15,000 kWh Large home	13.0 kW	33 panels	$36,400	$4,256/yr
20,000 kWh Large + EV	17.4 kW	44 panels	$48,720	$5,674/yr

Costs based on $2.80/W installed (2026 US average). Panel count assumes 400 W modules. Savings based on current 28.37¢/kWh rate. State incentives not included — see above for New York credits.

RochesterSolar Resources & 2026 Incentives

Key information for homeowners in Rochester going solar in 2026 — after the federal 30% tax credit expired December 31, 2025.

⚡ Federal Tax Credit Status (2026)

The 30% Section 25D residential solar credit expired December 31, 2025. An 8 kW system in Rochester costs $22,344 after a $56 New York state credit. The commercial Section 48 credit (for businesses, landlords) was not affected.

IRS Residential Clean Energy Credit →

🔌 Net Metering in New York

Full retail net metering through ConEd, National Grid, NYSEG. Small monthly Customer Benefit Contribution (~$9–30/month).

DSIRE — New York Incentive Database →

🏛️ New York State Incentives

25% state tax credit (up to $5,000), NY-Sun cash incentives, NYC property tax abatement

✓ Property tax exempt✓ Sales tax exempt

📚 Authoritative Sources