Rochester, NY Solar Panels
Solar Power in Rochester
Rochester homeowners are increasingly exploring solar as a way to manage rising energy costs. With New York electricity rates averaging 24.37 cents per kWh — nearly 47% above the national average — it’s no surprise that New York ranks 4th in the nation for residential solar installations.
This guide covers everything Rochester homeowners need to know about solar panels for your home, from how the installation process works to what it realistically costs in the Rochester area.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Rochester, NY?
Using real installation data from Rochester and surrounding communities — including Pittsford, Webster, Greece, and Irondequoit — this calculator gives you an accurate, personalized estimate of what solar installation could cost for your home.
System
- No upfront investment
- Palmetto handles all maintenance
- 90% Production Guarantee
- Comprehensive protection program included
Key Takeaways
- Rochester electricity rates are nearly 48% above the national average, making solar one of the most effective ways to reduce your monthly energy bill.
- New York’s solar tax credit can save you up to $5,000 on the cost of installing solar panels on your Rochester home.
- A typical Rochester home could save around $91,000 over 25 years with solar — with a payback period of about 7 years.
Rochester Electricity Prices
Electricity in Rochester isn’t cheap — and for many homeowners, it’s one of their fastest-growing household expenses.
New York electricity rates have climbed from 19.5 cents per kWh in 2021 to 24.4 cents per kWh in 2024. That’s nearly 48% above the national average of 16.5 cents per kWh — and the trend shows no signs of reversing.
Some Rochester homeowners are turning to solar panels for their home as one way to reduce their dependence on grid electricity. Generating your own power means buying less from your utility — even as rates continue to rise.
Over time, that independence can add up. Homeowners who go solar lock in a portion of their energy costs, making it easier to plan ahead regardless of where utility rates head in the future.
Price of Energy: New York vs National Average
Rochester Area Utility Providers
In Rochester, NY, the primary utility provider is RG&E (Rochester Gas and Electric). Based on 2023 data — the most recent available — RG&E’s residential electricity rate was 16.1¢ per kWh, nearly matching the 2023 national average of 16.0¢ per kWh.
While RG&E’s rate is close to the national average, it sits well below New York State’s 2023 average of 22.20¢ per kWh. That state average is driven by higher-cost metro areas like New York City, where grid infrastructure and demand push rates significantly higher.
Even at 16.1¢ per kWh, electricity costs add up over time. Solar can help Rochester homeowners reduce their dependence on grid power — locking in more predictable energy costs rather than absorbing future rate increases from their utility.
Rochester Utilities Electricity Rates
New York Solar Incentives
Rochester homeowners can still access meaningful solar incentives in New York to help offset installation costs, even as the federal residential tax credit is no longer available for new installations.
New York State’s Solar Energy System Equipment Credit (SESEC) offers a personal income tax credit equal to 25% of qualified solar equipment costs, up to $5,000. This applies broadly to Rochester homeowners who own their system.
For those who lease through Palmetto’s LightReach program, Palmetto handles the commercial tax credit and passes savings through via lower monthly payments — simplifying the incentive process for the homeowner.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York State Solar Energy System Equipment Credit (SESEC) | Tax Credit | New York State offers a personal income tax credit equal to 25% of qualified solar energy system equipment costs, up to a maximum of $5,000. | Learn More |
The New York State Solar Energy System Equipment Credit (SESEC) allows homeowners to claim a state income tax credit equal to 25% of the cost of their solar energy system, up to a maximum credit of $5,000. This credit directly reduces the amount of state income tax you owe — dollar for dollar — making it one of the most valuable solar incentives available to residents of Rochester in 2026.
One of the standout features of this credit is its broad eligibility: it applies whether you purchase your solar system outright or enter into a qualifying solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) lasting at least 10 years. If you lease, the credit equals 25% of the lease payments made during the year. The credit applies to systems installed at your primary New York State residence.
If your state tax liability is less than the full credit amount in the year of installation, you can carry forward any unused portion for up to five additional tax years. To claim the credit, file Form IT-255 with your New York State tax return. Be sure to work with a NYSERDA-approved installer and keep all documentation of your system costs.
Ready to start saving with solar?
Speak with a Palmetto solar expert to find out exactly how much you can save with New York incentives.
Get a Free QuoteRochester Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Rochester gets cold, snowy winters and limited winter sun, but long summer days balance things out. Like Boston or Seattle, Rochester can still be a strong solar city with the right system.
Solar Production in Rochester by Month
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.6 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 18 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 5.4 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 15 hours
- or Fully charge 3 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 175 trees
- or Save approximately $4,234 in electricity costs
Want to know exactly how much solar can power your home?
Get a personalized solar analysis based on your actual home, energy usage, and roof characteristics.
Get My Custom EstimateSolar Panel Systems in Rochester
We mapped every solar installation across the U.S. — and Rochester is part of the story. Explore this interactive heatmap to see which neighborhoods in your community have already made the switch to solar. Click any hexagon to see how many of your neighbors have gone solar!
Leasing Solar Panels
Rochester homeowners served by Rochester Gas & Electric (RGE) have access to Palmetto’s LightReach solar lease program. With a lease, you pay a fixed monthly amount — for example, around $92/month for a medium-sized home — rather than purchasing the system outright. Palmetto owns the panels, handles all maintenance, and backs production with a 90% guarantee.
Compared to a cash purchase, leasing removes the large upfront cost and eliminates the responsibility of system upkeep. When something needs attention, Palmetto takes care of it. That peace of mind has real value, especially over a 25-year system life. To understand the full difference between leasing and buying, this breakdown of solar lease vs. cash purchase is a helpful starting point.
It’s worth noting that a solar lease differs from a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). With a lease, your monthly payment stays fixed regardless of how much energy your panels produce. A PPA charges you per kilowatt-hour generated, so payments can vary by season. In Rochester, where summer production is significantly higher than winter, a fixed lease payment offers more predictability year-round. Both options can deliver similar annual savings — the right choice depends on your preference for consistency.
Go solar without the investment
With LightReach, there are no investment costs to recoup, loan payments to manage, or maintenance needs to take on. As soon as your panels are active, your solar savings are too!
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, solar makes sense for many Rochester homeowners. New York’s electricity rates are nearly 48% above the national average, and a typical Rochester home can save around $91,000 over 25 years with solar. New York’s state tax credit can also reduce installation costs by up to $5,000.
If upfront cost is a concern, Palmetto’s LightReach solar lease removes that barrier entirely — Rochester homeowners can go solar with no money down and start saving from day one, with payments starting around $92/month.
Yes. Rochester homeowners served by Rochester Gas & Electric (RGE) have access to 1:1 net metering. Each month, the solar energy you export to the grid is netted against your total consumption. Any unused credits carry over month to month and year to year for up to 20 years — they do not expire annually, and no check is issued.
RGE does charge a monthly Contribution Benefits Charge (CBC) of $1.16/kW-DC, which is a standard solar fee applied to net metering customers in New York.
Yes, solar panels can increase your home value in Rochester. According to a Zillow study, homes with solar panels sell for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without them. For a $250,000 home in Rochester, that’s roughly $10,000 in added value.
It’s worth noting that this benefit typically applies to owned systems, not leased ones. If you purchase your solar panels outright, the added home value is generally recognized by buyers and appraisers. Leased systems may transfer to the new owner but don’t typically carry the same resale premium.
With Palmetto’s LightReach lease, Rochester homeowners can go solar for a low fixed monthly payment starting around $92/month — with no upfront cost. Palmetto owns and maintains the system, making it a straightforward way to start saving.
For those who prefer a cash purchase, a typical Rochester home system runs approximately $20,448 after New York’s $5,000 state tax credit. Note that the federal 30% residential tax credit is no longer available following the Big Beautiful Bill. Use the calculator above for a personalized estimate.
For many Rochester homeowners, solar can be financially worthwhile — especially given that New York electricity rates are nearly 48% above the national average. A typical Rochester home could save around $91,000 over 25 years with solar.
One of the most accessible options is Palmetto’s LightReach lease, which requires no upfront investment. Since the fixed monthly lease payment is typically less than your current electricity bill, many Rochester homeowners start saving from day one.
Palmetto is a top choice for solar installation in Rochester, NY. As a national company with a strong local install network, we’ve helped 20,000+ homeowners across 31 states go solar. We offer some of the best financing options in the industry, including our LightReach lease — no upfront cost, fixed monthly payments starting around $92/month, and we handle all maintenance.
For Rochester homeowners who prefer to own their system, we offer competitive cash purchase pricing with transparent costs. Our team guides you through every step, from design and permitting to installation and activation.
With Palmetto’s LightReach lease, Rochester homeowners can go solar for no upfront cost. You pay one simple monthly payment that covers the system, installation, monitoring, maintenance, and a 90% Production Guarantee. For a typical 8.50 kW home system in Rochester, that’s approximately $92/month — often less than your current electric bill, so many homeowners save from day one.
Because Palmetto owns the system, it claims the commercial Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and passes those savings to you through lower monthly payments — an advantage that cash purchases no longer offer following the Big Beautiful Bill.