Does RG&E offer net metering in Rochester?

Yes — RG&E credits the solar you export to the grid in Rochester under New York's modified net metering, valued at ~70–90% of retail. That credit is what lets a well-sized system zero out most of your annual bill.

Is solar worth it in Rochester?

For most owners, yes. At 4.1 peak sun hours, a 9.4 kW system in Rochester produces about 11,254 kWh a year, pays back in roughly 8.9 years, and returns around $38,314 over 25 years after the $15,398 net cost — driven by the 30% federal credit and New York's state incentives.

::ROCHESTER_INCENTIVES // 2026

RochesterSolar Incentives 2026: Rebates, Tax Credits & Net Metering

Q: How much do solar panels cost in Rochester?

The 9.4 kW system that fits a typical Rochester home (about a $130/month bill) costs around $29,140 before incentives. After the 30% federal credit and the 25% New York credit, the net cost is roughly $15,398. Use the calculator on this page with your actual RG&E bill for an exact figure.

Updated June 2026 · RG&E · New York

Rochester homeowners stack the 30% federal tax credit with the 25% New York state credit and RG&E net metering. At 4.1 peak sun hours a day, a home with a $130/month bill (about 929 kWh) needs roughly a 9.4 kW system — 24 panels — and pays back in about 8.9 years.

Federal Credit

30%

NY State Credit

25%

Local Utility

RG&E

Net Metering

Active

Est. System Size

9.4 kW

Annual Production

11.3k kWh

Net Cost (after credits)

$15,398

Est. Payback

8.9 yrs

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::INPUT_PARAMETERS

Monthly Electric Bill (USD)

State

Roof (sq ft, optional)

Solar Incentives Available in Rochester

Solar incentives in Rochester come in three layers. First, every homeowner qualifies for the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit on the full installed cost, claimed on IRS Form 5695. Second, New York adds a 25% state income tax credit (up to $5,000) that stacks on top. Third, RG&E sets the local rules for crediting the solar power you export.

RG&E net metering plus New York's 25% state tax credit (up to $5,000) make Rochester solar work despite lower sun hours.

How Much Solar Rochester Homes Produce

Rochester gets 4.1 peak sun hours a day, so each 1 kW of panels produces about 1,197 kWh per year here. A 9.4 kW system — the size that fits a typical $130/month RG&E bill — generates roughly 11,254 kWh annually, worth about $1,576 in avoided electricity in year one and more as rates rise.

RG&E Net Metering in Rochester

RG&E credits excess solar generation from Rochester homes under New York's modified net metering (~70–90% of retail). A right-sized system can bring net annual electricity costs close to zero. See full New York net metering rules →

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Rochester?

At New York's 2026 average of $3.10/watt, the 9.4 kW system most Rochester homes need runs about $29,140 before incentives. The 30% federal credit takes off $8,742, and the New York state credit another $5,000 — landing the net cost near $15,398, with payback around 8.9 years.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester homeowners can claim the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit, the 25% New York state tax credit (up to $5,000), and net metering through RG&E. RG&E net metering plus New York's 25% state tax credit (up to $5,000) make Rochester solar work despite lower sun hours.