Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Diego, CA (2024 Update)
- San Diego Solar Installation Cost: $6,837
- 25-Year Savings: $17,661
- Payback Period: 7.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Diego
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in San Diego.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in San Diego typically cost about 3.Since a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in San Diego, the average price of going solar will be about $6,837 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average San Diego homeowners see about $31,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in San Diego
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,178 |
| 3 years | $-1,860 |
| 5 years | $1,459 |
| 7 years | $4,777 |
| 9 years | $8,095 |
| 11 years | $11,413 |
| 13 years | $14,731 |
| 15 years | $18,050 |
| 17 years | $21,368 |
| 19 years | $24,686 |
| 21 years | $28,004 |
| 23 years | $31,322 |
| 25 years | $34,641 |
Top Solar Installers in San Diego
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in San Diego:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in San Diego
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Diego
There are several 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower 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 more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many San Diego homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in San Diego, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.61 | $15,157 | $33,955 | 7.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $45,662 | 7.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $57,564 | 7.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $69,659 | 7.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $81,949 | 7.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $94,434 | 7.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $107,112 | 6.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $119,985 | 6.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven 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.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's San Diego, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in San Diego?
The average cost of solar panels in San Diego is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in San Diego?
You can’t get solar panels for free in San Diego. 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 how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.