Solar Panel Cost Guide in Camp Pendleton South, CA (2024 Update)

  • Camp Pendleton South Solar Installation Cost: $6,837
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,661
  • Payback Period: 7.4 Years

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By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Camp Pendleton South

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Camp Pendleton South.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Camp Pendleton South it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Camp Pendleton South, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $6,837, or $9,777 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Camp Pendleton South depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $31,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Camp Pendleton South, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Camp Pendleton South

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-5,178
3 years$-1,860
5 years$1,459
7 years$4,777
9 years$8,095
11 years$11,413
13 years$14,731
15 years$18,050
17 years$21,368
19 years$24,686
21 years$28,004
23 years$31,322
25 years$34,641

Top Solar Installers in Camp Pendleton South

Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Camp Pendleton South

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Camp Pendleton South

For many Camp Pendleton South homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Camp Pendleton South, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,470. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Camp Pendleton South to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Camp Pendleton South is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.61$15,157$33,9557.7 years
8 kW$3.54$19,821$45,6627.6 years
10 kW$3.47$24,290$57,5647.4 years
12 kW$3.40$28,565$69,6597.3 years
14 kW$3.33$32,646$81,9497.1 years
16 kW$3.26$36,532$94,4347.0 years
18 kW$3.19$40,224$107,1126.8 years
20 kW$3.12$43,722$119,9856.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
  • Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Camp Pendleton South, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Camp Pendleton South?

The average cost of solar panels in Camp Pendleton South is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is it worth going solar in Camp Pendleton South?

Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.