Solar Energy in Rochester, NY: Facts, Statistics, Companies

Solar Energy in Rochester

Solar Rates, Incentives, Plans & Statistics

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Going solar in Rochester, NY

In Rochester, an average home needs a 7kW solar system in order cover most of their electricity needs. Given the average residential price-per-watt of $3.65 in Rochester, a 7kW system can cost around $25,550 depending on applicable rebates and other factors.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Rochester: $18,250US Average: $18,171
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Rochester: 10 yearsUS Average: 11 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Rochester: $18,170US Average: $14,760

Solar Potential in Rochester

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Rochester.

Roof size 590sq. ft.
Capacity 8.25kW DC
Electricity 8.7kkWh AC per yr.

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Compare solar panels by system size in Rochester

Get the most value out of your roof by comparing the different benefits a given system size has.

System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $885 a year
Est. Price
$10,950
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 3,809 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $74
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.9 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 41 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,234 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,180 a year
Est. Price
$14,600
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,078 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $98
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.2 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 55 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,979 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,475 a year
Est. Price
$18,250
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 6,348 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $123
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.5 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 69 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,723 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,770 a year
Est. Price
$21,900
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,618 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $148
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.81 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 83 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 4,468 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,065 a year
Est. Price
$25,550
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,887 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $152
  • Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.86 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 85 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 4,604 mi less a year

Rochester solar incentives, tax credit, and rebates

Rochester has 21 rebates and tax credits that you may be eligable for. Visit the official links for more details to see if you apply.

Solar incentives in NY

Residential Solar Tax Credit

Value:Up to $5,000

Homeowners in New York may be eligible for state income tax credits on solar energy-related expenses. The tax code covers photovoltaic, water heating, and HVAC systems rated for up to 25 kW (single-family homes) or 50 kW (condos). Leased and owned systems qualify regardless of whether they are part of a power purchasing agreement. The credit amount will generally equal 25% of the new equipment's purchase price and installation costs. To claim the credit, homeowners can file form IT-255 with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

NY-Sun Loan Program

Value:Varies

The NY Sun Initiative offers a loan program to fund new residential and small commercial solar photovoltaic systems. The principal available for a residential loan ranges from $1,500 to $25,000 depending on capacity and expected performance. Small businesses and public-sector entities can apply for up to $100,000 of funding. Loans can be repaid over up to 15 years at competitively low interest rates. Standard credit checks apply at the time of application and will determine interest. Additional information is available from the Sun Initiative website.

New York Power Authority - Energy Services Programs for Public Entities

Value:Varies

Local governments and state agencies may take advantage of energy efficiency advisory programs offered by the New York Power Authority. NYPA can conduct property energy audits and assist with project research, design, contracting, and financing. Public-sector facilities, including public schools, may receive upfront financing on the total cost of energy-related improvement projects. The agency will make regular repayments based on their estimated energy savings. Additional information is available from the NYPA website.

Solar Sales Tax Exemption

Value:Varies

In New York, new solar energy systems for use on residential property are exempt from state sales/use tax. The exemption applies to solar PV, water heating, and HVAC systems, but not to pool heaters. (Commercial pool heaters may still be subject to tax incentives.) Additional information is available from local assessors and solar retailers.

Clean Energy Fund (CEF)

Value:Varies

A Clean Energy Fund is managed by New York's Public Service Commission. The law creating this fund consolidates the expired Renewable and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard budgets into a single entity. By 2030, 50% of the state's retail electricity should be generated from renewable sources. In the same year, the state should also reduce building energy consumption by 23% and overall carbon emissions by 40% from 2012 benchmarks. Initiatives funded through the CEF include rebate and incentive programs, large-scale private renewable energy facilities, education, and business support. Additional information is available from the PSC website.

NY-Sun Commercial and Industrial Incentive Program

Value:Varies

In New York, new solar energy systems for use on residential property are exempt from state sales/use tax. The exemption applies to solar PV, water heating, and HVAC systems, but not to pool heaters. Cities and county governments may enact local sales/use tax exemptions adding to state incentives. In cities of more than 1 million people, these exemptions must be formally codified as a local ordinance. Additional information is available from local assessors and solar retailers.

Clean Energy Standard

Value:Varies

New York established a mandatory Clean Energy Standard in 2016 to consolidate and replace the expiring Renewable and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standards. The Renewable Energy substandard goals require 70% of the state's retail electricity to be sourced renewable by 2030. The state should phase out energy sources producing carbon emissions by 2040. The Zero-Emissions Standard and lower "carve-out" standards dictate minimum investment in specific zero-emission energy sources, including solar and offshore wind. Compliance with the standard is measured using both Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) and Zero-Emission Credits (ZECs) pegging a megawatt hour of electricity to a fluctuating dollar value. All operation renewable energy systems in the state will generate at least one type of credit, though utilities are expected to purchase a share of their REC/ZEC quotas from customers through tariff programs.

NY Green Bank

Value:Varies

The New York Green Bank is a public financial institution overseen by NYSERDA. The Bank specializes in forming public-private partnerships to streamline financial considerations in green energy investment. Currently, the Bank manages hundreds of millions of dollars used for renewable portfolio standard compliance, incentive programs, energy assistance, and project financing. It may legally involve itself with any renewable energy project and is formally charged with reviewing proposals for special financing agreements on the corporate and utility levels.

PSEG Long Island - Net Metering

Value:Varies

PSEG, the private electrical utility on Long Island, has created its own net metering policies in addition to state standards. The utility has committed to net metering agreements for up to 150 MW of wind, solar, biomass, and CHP energy. Net metering customers will be compensated through bill credits on the net excess generation (NEG) they export to the grid, as measured by a bidirectional meter. Should generation exceed consumption for a given month, credits will roll ahead to subsequent billing cycles. "Virtual net metering" arrangements are available for agricultural renewable energy systems and microgrid customers. As a condition of compensation, PSEG takes ownership of the renewable energy credits generated through the use of a renewable energy device under net metering. Additional information is available through the PSEG website.

Local Option - Real Property Tax Exemption for Green Buildings

Value:Varies

In New York, municipal corporations may be eligible for property tax exemptions on buildings meeting certain green construction standards. Exemptions are at the local level, and cities/counties in New York may choose not to grant them whatsoever. Qualifying buildings should meet the requirements for LEED Silver certification at a minimum, and they should pursue formal certification from the US Green Building Council. Exemptions for a LEED Silver building last for three years, after which time the incentive turns into a tax credit which decreases by 20% annually. Longer exemption periods of up to six years are available for buildings with LEED Gold or Platinum certification. Interested taxpayers should consult with their local assessor for details.

NY-Sun PV Incentive Program (Residential, Low-Income, and Small Business)

Value:Varies

Through the Sun Incentive Program operated by NYSERDA, homeowners installing a new solar energy system up to 25 kW in capacity may receive rebates. Homeowners must be a customer of a participating utility and use a participating solar contractor to qualify. Rebate amounts will build on a base rate per watt. Additional incentives are available for low-income customers or larger systems. NYSERDA may contract with microgrids in low-income neighborhoods to proportionally allot incentives to each subscriber. Additional information is available from the NYSERDA website.

PSEG Long Island - Renewable Electricity Goal

Value:Varies

Until its replacement by PSEG Long Island, the Long Island Power Authority held itself to a local renewable portfolio standard exceeding state standards. By 2013, at least 25% of the island's retail electricity was to be generated using renewable technology. Solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects used to comply with the local standard could not be used for state RPS compliance. Though this policy promoted renewable investment above and beyond state minimum quotas, it was actually established for legal reasons to ensure renewable energy credits were not counted twice. PSEG Long Island, as LIPA's successor, did not establish a new renewable energy goal to keep with increasing state standards.

Local Option - Solar, Wind & Biomass Energy Systems Exemption

Value:Varies

In New York, local governments may choose to enact real property tax exemptions on farm renewable energy systems. Localities may choose to opt out of the exemption program; in most cases, it will be offered by default, in contrast with other local-option tax incentives. Wind turbines, solar PV, water heating, HVAC, and some pool heating systems are eligible. Agricultural biomass, manure, or waste energy systems may also be eligible for exemptions. Exemptions are valid at the local and school tax levels, and taxpayers may still be liable for special assessments their local government places on the property.

PSEG Long Island- Commercial Solar PV Feed-in Tariff

Value:Varies

In New York, new solar energy systems for use on residential property are exempt from state sales/use tax. The exemption applies to solar PV, water heating, and HVAC systems, but not to pool heaters. Cities and county governments may enact local sales/use tax exemptions adding to state incentives. In cities of more than 1 million people, these exemptions must be formally codified as a local ordinance. Additional information is available from local assessors and solar retailers.

State of NY Commercial PACE Financing Program

Value:Varies

The New York state government offers a statewide property-assessed clean energy (PACE) financing program for multi-family residential and commercial properties making energy efficiency improvements. Single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes are not eligible for financing due to FHFA regulations. The available principal will depend on property type and the projects being financed. The applicant must request an energy audit from a PACE representative as a part of the process: only projects the auditor suggests are eligible. Loan repayment will be made through a property tax lien senior to mortgages. Should the owner sell or transfer their property, the new owner will be responsible for repayments. Additional information is available from the New York Energy Improvement Corporation website.

Net Metering

Value:Varies

Since 1997, public/private utilities and cooperatives have offered net metering or other distributed generation tariffs to as many renewable energy customers as allowable by state quotas. The state recently replaced net metering with a "value of distributed energy resources" (VDER) tariff. VDER operates as an "inflow-outflow" program. Customers are technically billed for all electricity they generate, including excess generation (EG) sent to the grid. Rather than paying for all generated energy, however, they will only owe the cost of their "nettable energy" in that cycle. Nettable energy is equal to total power generated at the standard billed cost minus EG at a different "credit rate." As with net metering, should generation exceed consumption, remaining credits will be applied to subsequent cycles. VDER credit rates are fixed for the length of the contract. "Community Metering" provisions exist to compensate microgrid subscribers in proportion.

Energy Conservation Improvements Property Tax Exemption

Value:Varies

Real property tax exemptions may apply to small residential renewable energy equipment in New York, including CHP units, hydroelectric systems, fuel cells, and devices used to store energy. Exemptions apply at the local and state level, with the exception of special assessments that a property may incur. Multi-family property may be eligible for the exemptions if they are under five units in size. Additional information is available from the NY Department of Taxation and Finance.

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR

Value:Varies

Energy efficiency project financing through NYSERDA lending partners is available to single-family homeowners and multifamily properties up to four units. Applicants are limited to borrowers from Con Edison, Central Hudson, PSEG-Long Island, the National Grid, NYS E&G, Rochester G&E, or Orange Rockland. Loans with a principal of $1,500 - $25,000 are available at 3.49% - 3.99% APR over up to 15 years. Monthly payments are made through energy bills and will be based on estimated cost savings. Loans may fund projects approved by NYSERDA energy auditors and undertaken by participating contractors. The initial audit is available at no cost to the applicant. Additional information is available from the NYSERDA website.

Interconnection Standards

Value:Varies

In 1999, New York became one of the first states to standardize distributed generation and grid interconnection practices. The state Standard Interconnection Requirements cover any renewable energy system rated for under five megawatts. Systems should meet certain IEEE and UL safety and performance standards. Should the standards be met, the system will be eligible for expedited permit review procedures.

City of Riverhead - Energy Conservation Device Permitting Fees

Value:Varies

Special building permit processes and fees are available for new renewable energy systems or "energy conservation devices" in Riverhead. Eligible equipment includes solar PV arrays as well as any other device which qualifies for federal, state, or county tax incentives. Should a project meet certain safety and performance specifications, it will be considered under a 14-day expedited review and cost a $50 fee. Additional information is available from the Riverhead municipal website.

System Benefits Charge

Value:Varies

All customers of New York's six private electrical utilities are assessed system benefits surcharges to support a variety of NYSERDA energy initiatives. Currently, surcharge funding supports energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy investments, and energy access/assistance for low-income or disadvantaged communities. The fund's administrators annual reports to the state assembly detailing funding goals, actual revenue earned from surcharges, and initiatives supported by surcharges. These reports are publicly available on the NYSERDA website.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • As a general rule, unless there are local limitations, the main limitations to the amount of solar panels you can put on your roof are the available space on your roof, your electricity usage, your providers net metering rules, and the limitations of your house hold electrical system.
  • Based on our research the average price per installed watt is $3.65 in Rochester. This means for a 10kW system you can expect to pay $36,500 though pricing can vary significantly between installers based on the projects requirements.
  • Based on a Zillow research study from 2019, home with solar panels sell for roughly 4.1% more.
  • To generate the most power, solar panels in the United States should face true south as this generally results in the solar panels receiving the most light each day throughout the course of the year. That said, given that energy prices are often variable throughout the day, your installer may recommend you rotate your panels slightly so that the panels will receive more light at the end of the day when energy prices can be more expensive. That said, for most consumers the positioning of solar panels is highly dependent on your home's roof.
  • Based on our continuously updated database of solar installers, we have found 60 verified solar install companies in Rochester

Solar installers in Rochester (60)

YellowLite

Cleveland, OH(877) 743-8757

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Paradise Energy Solutions

Paradise CDP, PA(877) 851-9269

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Academy Energy Group

Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

SunVest Solar

Pewaukee, WI(262) 547-1200

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Geotherm

Scottsville, NY(585) 305-2574

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

GreenSpark Solar

Ontario CDP, NY(585) 265-2384

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Plug PV

Albany, NY(518) 948-5316

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

SI Solar

(844) 747-6527

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Dividend Finance

San Francisco, CA(415) 805-7000

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Summit Energy Group

Weymouth Town, MA(888) 578-6648

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Upstate Solar Solutions

Oriskany, NY(315) 904-5005

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

CES

Middletown, CT(860) 632-1682

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Entero Energy

Austin, TX(512) 551-0742

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Harvest Power

Islip Terrace CDP, NY(631) 647-3402

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Lipp Electric and Solar

Springwater Hamlet CDP, NY(607) 661-8195

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Solar Liberty

Buffalo, NY(866) 807-3639

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Silver Sun Solar

Deltona, FL(340) 227-7785

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

ConEdison Solutions

Valhalla CDP, NY(914) 286-7000

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

QwikSolar

Penn Yan, NY(315) 571-0777

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Same Sun of Vermont

Rutland, VT(802) 775-7900

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Venture Home Solar

New York, NY(888) 417-2086

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Sunnova Energy

Houston, TX(866) 786-6682

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Sunrun

San Francisco, CA(833) 394-3384

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Sunnyside Solar

(802) 280-7319

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Sigora Solar

Charlottesville, VA(434) 465-6192

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Quixotic Systems

New York, NY(212) 367-9161

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

GenRenew

Freehold, NJ(732) 835-4272

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Venture Solar

(888) 417-2086

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Solar & Wind FX

Canandaigua, NY(585) 229-2083

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Engie North America

Houston, TX(713) 636-0000

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Lumina Solar

Baltimore, MD(800) 971-6118

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Go Solar

Lockport, NY(716) 880-6000

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

ACE Solar

Carlstadt, NJ(201) 507-1110

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Precision Renewables

Snyderville CDP, UT(435) 602-4120

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

PowerLutions

Lakewood CDP, NJ(732) 987-3939

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
Alex Zdanov
Last Reviewed By: Alex Zdanov
Published: 2024-03-01