Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rancho San Diego, CA (Mar 2023)
- Rancho San Diego Solar Installation Cost: $5,370
- 25-Year Savings: $17,670
- Payback Period: 5.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rancho San Diego
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Rancho San Diego.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Rancho San Diego typically cost about 2.73. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Rancho San Diego, 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.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. With average savings of about $31,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Rancho San Diego find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Rancho San Diego that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Rancho San Diego
| 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 Rancho San Diego
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and know-how. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 Rancho San Diego
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rancho San Diego
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Rancho San Diego: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,730. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about 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 for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Rancho San Diego to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. It's a good idea to add 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 installation company you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk 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 discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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
There are many companies available in Rancho San Diego, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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 Rancho San Diego, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rancho San Diego?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Rancho San Diego?
Solar panels aren't free in Rancho San Diego, 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.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
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 $1,637.07 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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 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.