Solar Panel Cost Guide in El Cajon, CA (2023 Update)
- El Cajon Solar Installation Cost: $5,379
- 25-Year Savings: $17,661
- Payback Period: 5.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in El Cajon
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in El Cajon.
In El Cajon, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in El Cajon, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,370, or $7,679 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in El Cajon depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite the high upfront cost, the average El Cajon homeowner can save about $31,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in El Cajon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-3,720 |
| 3 years | $-402 |
| 5 years | $2,917 |
| 7 years | $6,235 |
| 9 years | $9,553 |
| 11 years | $12,871 |
| 13 years | $16,189 |
| 15 years | $19,508 |
| 17 years | $22,826 |
| 19 years | $26,144 |
| 21 years | $29,462 |
| 23 years | $32,780 |
| 25 years | $36,099 |
Top Solar Installers in El Cajon
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in El Cajon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in El Cajon
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in El Cajon: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in El Cajon, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far 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 El Cajon to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better 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 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
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's El Cajon, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in El Cajon?
The average cost of solar panels in El Cajon is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in El Cajon?
You can't get solar panels for free in El Cajon. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in El Cajon is currently $472,209, so you can expect a value of about $19,361 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in El Cajon is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.