Not surprisingly, the #1 question we receive at Sunline Energy is:
“How much will my solar installation cost?”
It is the most popular question. But it’s also one of the most misleading.
The reason this question is “misleading” is because it overlooks an important variable.
San Diego solar panel costs are relative.
True, you pay money upfront for the installation, but you’re also reducing your monthly electricity bills at the same time.
This means that the true cost of your solar panels must factor in these savings.
In other words, the cost of going solar is whatever you pay upfront minus whatever you avoid paying to SDG&E as a result of having those panels.
For most San Diego homeowners, this means that solar is an investment – not an expense.
At today’s utility prices, you recoup all costs within an average of 4 to 6 years. Thereafter, you enjoy free electricity – for the next 20 to 35 years.
But How Much Do the Panels Actually Cost?
Okay, fair enough. You want actual numbers and not relative costs.
Well, every home and solar installation is unique. Even 2 houses on the same block will pay slightly different prices for installations of the same size.
But speaking in averages – a standard 5kW solar PV installation in San Diego costs roughly $10K (after factoring in relevant incentives).
For many, $10K in upfront cash is tough. Even with the promise of long-term electricity bill savings.
That’s why an increasing number of San Diego solar customers use low interest loans to finance their installations. For more on solar loans, check out this article. But in a nutshell:
- You take out a solar loan from your local bank (we handle this step for you)
- You use this money to pay for a new installation (again, we take care of this as well).
Every month, you’ll receive 2 bills.
1 bill is from the bank (i.e. your loan repayment). And the other is from the utility company (i.e. your electricity bill).
Now – because you have solar panels installed, your electricity bill is much smaller than it used to be. In fact, your monthly savings with SDG&E are high enough to fully cover whatever loan repayments you send to the bank.
In other words, you pay less now (overall) than you did before you had the solar panels installed.
This is why solar panel costs are irrelevant. Sure, you want to get a good deal – and you want to keep prices low. But solar energy is an investment that pays immediate dividends… even if you have to borrow money in advance.
Still want exact pricing?
Remember that every installation is unique. For precise pricing, you’ll need to consult with a licensed solar professional.
At Sunline Energy, all consultations are 100% free.
Just schedule an appointment, and we’ll take care of the rest. Click here to get started.
