Best Solar Companies in San Diego, CA

How to find a reputable solar company in San Diego

In our experience, the best solar companies in California have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.

1. Check certifications

California requires solar contractors to hold a C-46 licensing classification, which you can check through the Contractors State License Board. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).

2. Read reviews

Look for solar company reviews that talk about clear communication, energy savings and ongoing support. Avoid installers with lots of complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures or billing issues.

3. Ask questions

Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

» TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

Solar panel costs in San Diego

A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $8,379 to $24,449 in California. Prices in San Diego are comparable, ranging from $8,476 to $25,223.

This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000.

A solar battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing. It’s worth considering if California’s net metering rates continue to decline or if your area gets frequent blackouts.

Average solar panel costs by system size in San Diego

System size is the other major solar cost factor. The average San Diego household needs a system with a capacity of 5.9 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on how much energy you and your family use, you might need a smaller or larger one.

How can I pay for solar panels?

Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment.

• Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
• Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.

» SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease

Can I get free solar panels?

The Disadvantaged Communities Single-family Solar Homes (DAC-SASH) program, run by GRID Alternatives, offers no-cost rooftop solar installations for income-qualified homeowners in disadvantaged communities. Find out if you live in an eligible community using this map from the California Environmental Protection Agency.

Going solar in San Diego County

In San Diego, most home solar installations need an electrical permit, which costs about $150 to $175. If you live in unincorporated San Diego County, permits are free under the Green Building Incentive program, which helps lower solar installation costs.

Is solar worth it in San Diego?

Solar panels are generally worth it in California if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, San Diego homeowners with solar panels can avoid $104,460 in total utility costs over 25 years.

Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

“Going solar has been incredible,” Keith in San Diego told us. Their summertime electric bill went from around $400 to $15 — even with running the air conditioner almost constantly.

If your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering. NREL’s PVWatts Calculator is a good online tool to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable free solar savings estimator.

The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 7.32 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

Potential roof problems

As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons