Solar Panel Cost Guide in El Cajon, CA (Mar 2023)
- El Cajon Solar Installation Cost: $5,370
- 25-Year Savings: $17,670
- Payback Period: 5.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in El Cajon
Find out 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. Using this figure, a typical 2.8-kW system would cost about $5,370 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average El Cajon homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average El Cajon homeowner can save around $31,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in El Cajon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,448 |
| 3 years | $-2,605 |
| 5 years | $-762 |
| 7 years | $1,081 |
| 9 years | $2,924 |
| 11 years | $4,768 |
| 13 years | $6,611 |
| 15 years | $8,454 |
| 17 years | $10,297 |
| 19 years | $12,140 |
| 21 years | $13,984 |
| 23 years | $15,827 |
| 25 years | $17,670 |
Top Solar Installers in El Cajon
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 El Cajon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in El Cajon
There are many criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels 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 chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in El Cajon, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in El Cajon is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 El Cajon, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in El Cajon?
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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in El Cajon?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.