It’s a common complaint. But it’s not rooted in reality.
For starters, solar panels are a lot cheaper than you think.
In fact, a 2012 survey of Californian homeowners revealed something pretty surprising. 97% of respondents grossly overestimated the true cost of installing a new solar photovoltaic (PV) system – sometimes by as much as $20K above the actual cost.
And secondly, there are several steps you can take to dramatically decrease the already low cost of a standard San Diego solar installation.
Let’s dive in.
Paying for an Affordable San Diego Solar Installation
Solar is a lot more affordable than you think it is. It’s certainly cheaper than what 97% of Californians believe it to be.
The average cost of a residential San Diego solar installation is about $10K.
That’s not chump change – but it’s a far cry from the outlandish estimates revealed in the 2012 survey mentioned above. Remember that respondents overestimated the true cost by $20K.
Moreover, these costs keep going down. In the past 5 years, solar panel prices have fallen 80% – and they’re still dropping (although this doesn’t mean you should delay installing a system today).
But what if you don’t have $10K lying around?
Well, you still have options.
1. Apply for All Solar Incentives ASAP
San Diego offers a number of solar incentives designed to bring the cost of your installation down. Unfortunately, some of these incentives are expiring or undergoing major changes.
To keep costs down, be sure to apply for a new solar installation ASAP – before you miss out on these generous incentives.
2. Reduce Your Electricity Consumption
Want to lower your solar installation costs even more. Then reduce the amount of electricity you use. We’re not talking about radical lifestyle changes.
The less energy you consume, the fewer solar panels you need.
3. Finance Your Installation with Solar Loans
The beauty of solar energy is that you begin paying lower electricity bills on Day 1 – and for the next 25 to 40 years.
This is why many homeowners and businesses pay for their installations using low interest solar loans. Their monthly electricity bill savings are more than their monthly loan repayments.
In other words, they get a new solar installation and actually pay less money every month.
4. Finance Your Installation with Solar Leases
Solar loans and power purchase agreements (PPAs). We usually don’t recommend this option for most solar customers (see here, and here to understand why).
But if you’re truly strapped for cash, a solar lease allows you to receive a new PV system 100% free of charge – and you still have lower monthly electricity bills.
You don’t qualify for all of the great financial benefits that come with true solar ownership, but you also don’t assume any of the upfront costs either.
In San Diego, Can You Really Afford NOT to Go Solar?
In San Diego, we have crazy expensive electricity – and the prices keep going up.
When you understand this, solar ceases being an “expense” and it becomes an investment – one that pays dividends for decades.
The average payback period for a standard residential installation is only 4 to 6 years. And when properly installed, your system will continue delivering clean and free electricity for the next 25 to 40 years – with minimal maintenance.
The question isn’t whether you can afford to go solar. It’s can you afford NOT to.
To begin exploring affordable solar options, contact us today for a free quote.
