Calculate how much it will cost to install solar panels for your home in San Diego
Solar power in San Diego, California
If you live in San Diego, you know two things:
- It’s always sunny in San Diego; and
- San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) is one of the most expensive utilities in the country.
These two factors have made San Diego one of the leading cities for home solar panels in the nation. With excellent solar energy production, high electric rates, and big tax incentives, solar panels installed in San Diego can pay for themselves in as little as five years. That means you’d be getting 20 years of free power! Now that’s an excellent investment.
But, things won’t stay this sweet for long. The California Public Utilities Commission recently approved new rules that change how SDG&E credits its solar customers, which will result in lower solar savings.
The new program called Net Billing has officially been passed and will go into effect on April 13, 2023. So, it’s important that you go solar before the changes take effect to get the best savings possible!
The average cost of installing residential solar panels in San Diego,
California in 2025 is
$2.72 per watt. The average system size
in the US is 6 kilowatts, which means the average price of a solar system
in San Diego, CA
is $13,600.
(after claiming 26% tax credit and other rebates)
The 26% federal solar tax credit explained
If you have a federal income tax liability, 26% of the cost of your solar system can be claimed as a deduction to your taxes. This incentive is claimed when you do your taxes. In order to receive the tax credit quicker it's best to do your taxes as soon as possible after installation.
What if my tax liability is less than 26% of my systems costThere is the option to claim this incentive over several years if your tax liability is less than 26% of the system cost.
How much will solar panels on my home save me?
The answer to this question depends on your electricity usage. Generally speaking the greater your power usage the greater the potential savings from installing solar.
The average monthly usage in California is only 573kWh per month however, you are most likely using a lot more than this since this average includes condos and small apartments.
The San Diego solar panel savings calculator below will convert your monthly power spend into power usage (in kWh's) and then work out exactly how many solar panels you need to offset your usage, how much they will cost based on the prices of local solar companies and the amount you will save. Our California solar savings calculator can do this because it contains a database of the electric rates charged by City of Escondido, Imperial Irrigation District, San Diego Gas & Electric Co, Southern California Edison Co
How much can solar panels save you in San Diego
What does the cost of a real solar system look like?
Facts about installing a 6.5kW solar system in San Diego, CA
This system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill is $217, however your situation may vary so try our San Diego solar calculator to get a result tailored to you.
$12,240
Net cost of system
4 Years 4 Months
Average payback time
9,789 kWh
Annual power production
5¢/kWh
Levelized cost of solar energy
47¢/kWh
If you don't get solar
Cash flow graph based on cash purchase of this 6.5kW system
Life-time savings on this system over the next 25 years
$98,260
(Prices shown after repayments of capital)
270
Solar companies in San Diego, CA that provide pricing through the Solar-Estimate marketplace.
Average total cost of solar panel installation in San Diego
| System Size |
Cash purchase After 30% solar tax credit |
Financed purchase After 30% solar tax credit |
|---|---|---|
| 3kw | $6,069 | $6,555 |
| 4kw | $7,924 | $8,558 |
| 5kw | $9,730 | $10,508 |
| 6kw | $11,424 | $12,338 |
| 7kw | $13,083 | $14,130 |
| 8kw | $14,616 | $15,785 |
| 9kw | $16,128 | $17,418 |
| 10kw | $17,500 | $18,900 |
Find out what system size you need for your home
Going solar in California
Check out all of the ways energy providers of California can help you be more energy efficient and save money.
The following programs are available:
| Incentive Name | Eligibility | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit | Federal | Personal Tax Credit |
| Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems | State | Property Tax Incentive |
| Net Billing (NEM 3.0) | State | Net Metering |
| Self-Generation Incentive Program | State | Battery Rebate |
| City of San Francisco - Low-Income Solar Inverter Replacement Program | City | Low-Income Program |
| LADWP - Net Metering | Utility | Net Metering |
| Disadvantaged Communities – Single-Family Solar Homes (DAC-SASH) program | Residential | Low-income solar program |
Find your local rebates and incentives
Please keep in mind that the best source of up-to-date information on incentives are the solar installers who specialize in your area.
