Every day, our inboxes get flooded with solar-related questions of all kinds.
By far, the most popular question is “how much does a solar installation cost in San Diego County?”
This is one of the hardest and most enjoyable questions to answer.
It’s hard to answer for several reasons:
- Solar panel prices keep falling – fast. In the past 5 years alone, average panel costs have dropped roughly 80%. This makes it hard to nail down an exact quote.
- Just like homes, solar panels come in all shapes and sizes. No 2 solar photovoltaic (PV) installations are ever the same. Some customers in large properties want mid-grade panels. Other customers in smaller properties want high quality components.
- Solar incentives vary by region and neighborhood. Customers in Imperial Beach might have access to special grants and credits unavailable in La Mesa – and vice versa.
But answering the question is also quite enjoyable.
That’s because many prospective customers have grossly inflated ideas of how much solar panels cost in San Diego. And they’re often pleasantly surprised when they learn the truth.
It’s worth noting that the good people of this County are not alone. Across the country, roughly 97% of Americans overestimate the true cost of installing solar – sometimes by as much as $40,000.
Key Takeaways About Solar Panel Cost
- On a national level the cost of solar panels in 2021 is around $20,000 after tax credits (comes out to $2.81/Watt for a 10kW system)
- In the past 5 years the cost of solar has fallen about 20%. Solar is now worth more than before.
- If you are looking for a fair price for solar is by getting a free solar quote.
Does size impact the cost of solar?
The cost of installing solar for your home depends on how much your electricity household uses and how much you want to generate. The bigger the system the more it will cost because it will require more equipment and the labor to install.
Other factors that contribute to solar panel installation
A residential solar quote will contain the all-in price that you can expect to pay when deciding to install a solar energy system on your property. What factors can make up the cost of your solar panel system?
First, the equipment. Not all solar panels, batteries or inverters are all the same and the more efficient the equipment is the higher the cost will be. More efficient means, better quality and longer lasting will add to the cost that might be worth it. Quality hardware can produce more electricity with the same amount of sun and often comes with a warranty.
While it’s true that the equipment can drive the cost of your solar energy estimate, permits, HOA’s and labor costs are also another factor to consider. You will also have to pay a fee to get your solar system connected but all of these costs will be included in the quote.
Another factor that many homeowners don’t consider is which way your roof is facing. If you have a south-facing roof that slopes at a 30 degree angle installing solar panels will be very easy and should not be complicated. Having a roof facing the opposite way is very doable but more complicated.
So What IS the True Cost of Installing Solar Panels in San Diego?
Ok. So answering the question is tough – but not impossible.
Without actually inspecting your home or business, it’s hard for us to give you an exact quote. But we can talk in averages – at least for the residential market. The commercial solar market is way too variable.
Across San Diego County, the average cost of a residential solar installation is about $10K. This rough number factors in all relevant incentives, tax credits, perks, installation costs, materials, and financing.
So on average, you should budget about $10K for your solar installation.
But – you don’t necessarily need to pay that $10K upfront. Very few homeowners do.
Instead, you should consider taking out a low interest solar loan. Done correctly, the money you save on your monthly electricity bill is more than the money you pay back to the bank every month.
In other words, you enjoy instant savings… even if you have to borrow money in the process.
2 things that every homeowner should remember:
- The average payback period of a solar installation in San Diego is about 4 to 6 years.
- A well-installed solar PV system can last 40+ years with minimal maintenance. Even washing the panels isn’t really necessary.
So after your payback period, we’re potentially talking about 35+ years of free and clean electricity.
Other factors that contribute to solar panel installation
A residential solar quote will contain the all-in price that you can expect to pay when deciding to install a solar energy system on your property. What factors can make up the cost of your solar panel system?
First, the equipment. Not all solar panels, batteries or inverters are all the same and the more efficient the equipment is the higher the cost will be. More efficient means, better quality longer lasting will add to the cost that might be worth it. Quality hardware can produce more electricity with the same amount of sun and often comes with a warranty.
Solar Installation Costs Are not As Important As You Think
Cost is important with any purchase. But the reasons above help to explain why you shouldn’t focus exclusively on price when shopping around for solar installers.
That being said.
At Sunline Energy, our prices are extremely competitive. But even if they weren’t, the long-term financial benefits of going solar make the investment 100% worth it.
Ready to begin exploring your solar options?
Request a free, no-obligation consultation today.
