Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oceanside, CA (2023 Update)
- Oceanside Solar Installation Cost: $5,379
- 25-Year Savings: $17,186
- Payback Period: 6.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oceanside
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Oceanside.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Oceanside generally cost about 2.73. The average solar panel system size in Oceanside is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,370 for a solar installation, or $7,679 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $30,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Oceanside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,304 |
| 3 years | $-5,153 |
| 5 years | $-5,003 |
| 7 years | $-4,852 |
| 9 years | $-4,702 |
| 11 years | $-4,552 |
| 13 years | $-4,401 |
| 15 years | $-4,251 |
| 17 years | $-4,100 |
| 19 years | $-3,950 |
| 21 years | $-3,799 |
| 23 years | $-3,649 |
| 25 years | $-3,498 |
Top Solar Installers in Oceanside
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Oceanside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oceanside
There are many criteria that can affect your 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 cost of a solar system in Oceanside, 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 consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Oceanside to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Oceanside is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Oceanside are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $36,176 | 6.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $48,540 | 6.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $61,058 | 6.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $73,728 | 5.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $86,551 | 5.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $99,527 | 5.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $112,656 | 5.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $125,938 | 5.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system 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 tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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 Oceanside, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oceanside?
The average cost of solar panels in Oceanside is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Oceanside?
A solar panel system isn't free in Oceanside, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, 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 you sell solar power back to the grid in Oceanside?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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.