Solar Panel Cost Guide in Camp Pendleton South, CA (2023 Update)

  • Camp Pendleton South Solar Installation Cost: $5,379
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,661
  • Payback Period: 5.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Camp Pendleton South

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Camp Pendleton South.

In Camp Pendleton South, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Because a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Camp Pendleton South, the average price of going solar will be about $5,370 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Camp Pendleton South homeowners see about $31,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Camp Pendleton South

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,302
3 years $-5,149
5 years $-4,995
7 years $-4,841
9 years $-4,688
11 years $-4,534
13 years $-4,381
15 years $-4,227
17 years $-4,073
19 years $-3,920
21 years $-3,766
23 years $-3,613
25 years $-3,459

Top Solar Installers in Camp Pendleton South

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.

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

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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 Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Camp Pendleton South

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Camp Pendleton South

While the average cost of a solar system in Camp Pendleton South is $5,370, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,730. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Camp Pendleton South to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Camp Pendleton South homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Camp Pendleton South, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $2.84 $11,925 $37,188 6.1 years
8 kW $2.78 $15,594 $49,889 6.0 years
10 kW $2.73 $19,110 $62,744 5.8 years
12 kW $2.68 $22,473 $75,751 5.7 years
14 kW $2.62 $25,684 $88,911 5.6 years
16 kW $2.57 $28,741 $102,224 5.5 years
18 kW $2.51 $31,646 $115,690 5.4 years
20 kW $2.46 $34,398 $129,309 5.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies to choose from in Camp Pendleton South, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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 Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Camp Pendleton South, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Camp Pendleton South?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Camp Pendleton South?

A solar panel system isn't free in Camp Pendleton South, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,637.07 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size 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 household 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.

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