Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oceanside, CA (Jan 2023)
- Oceanside Solar Installation Cost: $5,370
- 25-Year Savings: $17,195
- Payback Period: 6.0 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oceanside
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Oceanside.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Oceanside it's $3 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 2.8 would cost about $5,370 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $30,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Oceanside find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oceanside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,467 |
| 3 years | $-2,662 |
| 5 years | $-857 |
| 7 years | $948 |
| 9 years | $2,754 |
| 11 years | $4,559 |
| 13 years | $6,364 |
| 15 years | $8,169 |
| 17 years | $9,974 |
| 19 years | $11,780 |
| 21 years | $13,585 |
| 23 years | $15,390 |
| 25 years | $17,195 |
Top Solar Installers in Oceanside
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Oceanside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oceanside
While the average cost of a solar system in Oceanside is $5,370, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels 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 largely 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 type of equipment you want 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 steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Oceanside is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to 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. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 solar company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Oceanside, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oceanside?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Oceanside?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,603.36 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.