Solar energy takes over America’s Finest City

The state of solar in San Diego

Few cities can beat America’s Finest City when it comes to solar energy. Thanks to an average of 266 sunny days a year and recent solar installations, San Diego, CA, holds one of the top spots in the nation for solar energy production.^*bestplaces.net, Climate in San Diego, CA (accessed 8/19/2019) More than 94% of the city’s buildings are solar-viable.^*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018)

How much solar energy does San Diego produce?

As of 2019, San Diego was ranked No. 2 nationally for solar power capacity, with 294.8 watts per person and 420.38 megawatts solar systems installed (a megawatt is one million watts). However, according to the mayor’s office and a report from Environment California, San Diego now has the highest solar capacity in the country, thanks to recent solar installations.^*Cleantechsandiego.org, San Diego Ranks #1 Nationally in Solar Panel Installations (published 4/04/2021)

What are the advantages of going solar in San Diego?

By going solar, you can immediately see a reduction in your monthly utility bill because the solar systems in San Diego usually generate power that’s less expensive that what you can buy from the utility company.

The inclusion of solar panels on your home also can boost your property value at a national average of more than 4%. In addition, California offers a 100% property tax exemption on solar PV systems so that you retain the total increase in value.

Most solar providers offer 20- to 25-year warranties on their solar systems and equipment. The panels require little to no maintenance. Their durability, efficiency, and full warranties ensure that your system will generate clean energy for years to come.

How much does solar cost in San Diego?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even among houses in the same city, due to a range of factors. These factors include the:

• Quality of solar panels

• Solar installer

• Location, size, and shape of the roof

• Household’s energy needs

• Weather

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we’ve analyzed SunPower price quotes as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.^*Local Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020.

In San Diego, we found that the average investment to own a 5 kilowatt solar system ranges from $13,100 to $45,000. Or, in other words, it will cost from $2.62 to $9.00 per watt, and that’s before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

A measure of energy output, a kilowatt-hour (kWh) is 1,000 watts (a kilowatt) producing energy for one hour. The average U.S. household uses just over 900 kWh per month.^*Energy Sage, What is a Kilowatt Hour? (Accessed Sept. 10, 2021).

At the federal level, all citizens can claim the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) on their income taxes. The ITC gives new solar system owners a 30% tax credit for the cost of a solar system, its installation, and permitting.

San Diego residents can also participate in California solar incentives like the Single-Family Affordable Solar Homes program from GRID Alternatives. It provides incentives to help low- and fixed-income households afford solar systems.

Net metering makes solar more attractive as well. Some utility companies, like San Diego Gas & Electric, offer this program, allowing customers to connect their solar systems to meters that feed into the local electrical grid. When the panels generate an overflow of electricity, the surplus goes into the grid, saving you additional money on electric bills.^*sdge.com, Get Credit for the Extra Energy You Generate (accessed 8/19/2021) https://www.sdge.com/residential/pricing-plans/about-our-pricing-plans/n...

Please note that tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Similarly, the availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.

What’s the best way to go solar in San Diego?

There is much to consider before going solar in San Diego, which is why it’s best to work with a reliable solar provider. With a licensed solar installer, you will remove the guesswork about your household’s energy needs.

Before meeting with a solar installer, use a savings calculator to quickly build a custom solar system design for your home. This virtual design will help you estimate how much money you’ll save on electric bills and the amount of power your system will produce.

Solar installers then use their clean energy expertise to determine the appropriate solar solutions for your property. They’ll know how many high-efficiency solar PV panels and storage devices you’ll need to accommodate your household’s energy use. They’ll also find ways to preserve your home’s aesthetics and minimize upfront costs. For more information, check out California’s Solar Consumer Protection Guide.

Get started now. Request your consultation with SunPower below. We’ll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.