Solar panel cost San Diego: Prices & data 2024
Updated: October 23, 2024As of Dec 2024, the average cost of solar panels in San Diego is $2.5 per watt making a typical 6000 watt (6 kW) solar system $10,500 after claiming the 30% federal solar tax credit now available.
This is lower than the average price of residential solar power systems across the United States which is currently $3.00 per watt.
Installed San Diego solar system cost by:
Solar panel installation cost in San Diego
The size of a solar panel system also plays a role in how much the installation will cost.
Larger solar installations will typically have a lower cost per watt, because the panels can be purchased at a ‘bulk price’. However, these larger solar systems will still have a higher total cost, because they are made up of more individual panels.
Table 2: Average cost of residential solar systems by system size
| System size* | Avg cost per watt |
Avg system cost
(After tax credit) show before tax |
|---|---|---|
| 4kW | $2.72 | $7,605 |
| 5kW | $2.62 | $9,185 |
| 6kW | $2.50 | $10,500 |
| 7kW | $2.48 | $12,168 |
| 8kW | $2.51 | $14,042 |
| 9kW | $2.43 | $15,285 |
| 10kW | $2.41 | $16,866 |
San Diego solar cost and savings calculator
Best unit price
$320.00 ($0.96 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,721.85
($2.53 p/w)
LG335N1K-V5 overview
Rated power
335 watts
Efficiency
19.6
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$562.50 ($1.50 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,120.18
($2.49 p/w)
LG375A1C-V5 overview
Rated power
375 watts
Efficiency
21.7
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$430.00 ($1.15 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,919.30
($2.65 p/w)
LG375Q1C-V5 overview
Rated power
375 watts
Efficiency
21.7
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$473.34 ($1.30 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$13,231.07
($2.59 p/w)
LG365Q1K-V5 overview
Rated power
365 watts
Efficiency
21.1
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$432.00 ($1.20 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$13,276.66
($2.63 p/w)
LG360Q1K-V5 overview
Rated power
360 watts
Efficiency
20.8
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$530.85 ($1.50 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,386.87
($2.49 p/w)
LG355Q1K-V5 overview
Rated power
355 watts
Efficiency
20.6
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$495.00 ($1.38 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$13,091.06
($2.60 p/w)
LG360Q1C-V5 overview
Rated power
360 watts
Efficiency
20.8
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$407.97 ($1.10 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.2kW system
$13,159.30
($2.54 p/w)
LG370Q1C-V5 overview
Rated power
370 watts
Efficiency
21.4
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$323.39 ($0.97 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,691.01
($2.53 p/w)
LG335N1C-V5 overview
Rated power
335 watts
Efficiency
19.6
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$338.19 ($0.99 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$0.00
($0.00 p/w)
LG340N1C-V5 overview
Rated power
340 watts
Efficiency
19.8
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$600.00 ($1.83 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,808.41
($2.61 p/w)
SPR-E20-327-COM overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$800.00 ($2.22 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$13,201.67
($2.62 p/w)
SPR-X22-360 overview
Rated power
360 watts
Efficiency
22.2
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$620.00 ($1.90 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$13,703.10
($2.79 p/w)
SPR-E20-327-D-AC overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$620.00 ($1.90 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$13,610.59
($2.77 p/w)
SPR-E20-327 overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$181.00 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$11,003.04
($2.16 p/w)
CS6K-300MS overview
Rated power
300 watts
Efficiency
18.33
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$196.11 ($0.65 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$9,948.02
($1.95 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-300M overview
Rated power
300 watts
Efficiency
18.1
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$172.00 ($0.56 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$9,568.53
($1.96 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-305M overview
Rated power
305 watts
Efficiency
18.4
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$165.00 ($0.53 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$9,761.72
($1.97 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-310M overview
Rated power
310 watts
Efficiency
18.7
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$228.00 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$9,579.65
($1.94 p/w)
LR4-60HPH-380M overview
Rated power
380 watts
Efficiency
20.9
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$234.00 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$10,126.74
($2.00 p/w)
LR6-72HBD-390M overview
Rated power
390 watts
Efficiency
19.4
Number of Cells
144
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
4.90 402 Reviews
Latest review
Jbaus, over 1 month
I am unhappy with the installation and this companies disregard for customer satisfaction. And they know I am and they knew I was before the installation was done and they DO NOT CARE. I was told in the beginning I would not see panels from the front of the house. I caught the problem during the install (I could that I would be able to see panels from the front of the house and from my pool.) They said "let us finish this part and we will come back and fix the issue." Stupid me believed them - they did not. I paid around $80k for the system and I was told it would be around $1,300 to move the offending panels - but I would have to pay the cost. They did not even offer to split the difference with me. Their solution - lay the panels flat (which they and I know makes them less efficient - aka I pay for that in the long run with less production and then requires more cleaning). I pointed out that for a measly 1300 they could have a very happy client. They did (do) not care. So now I have a bunch of flat less efficient panels that I can still see - just not as much. Will I use them for anything ever again - NO! Not even panel cleaning. I used Hot Purple for my first house and I wish I had used them for this one.
Read more
Latest review
Jbaus, over 1 month
I am unhappy with the installation and this companies disregard for customer satisfaction. And they know I am and they knew I was before the installation was done and they DO NOT CARE. I was told in the beginning I would not see panels from the front of the house. I caught the problem during the install (I could that I would be able to see panels from the front of the house and from my pool.) They said "let us finish this part and we will come back and fix the issue." Stupid me believed them - they did not. I paid around $80k for the system and I was told it would be around $1,300 to move the offending panels - but I would have to pay the cost. They did not even offer to split the difference with me. Their solution - lay the panels flat (which they and I know makes them less efficient - aka I pay for that in the long run with less production and then requires more cleaning). I pointed out that for a measly 1300 they could have a very happy client. They did (do) not care. So now I have a bunch of flat less efficient panels that I can still see - just not as much. Will I use them for anything ever again - NO! Not even panel cleaning. I used Hot Purple for my first house and I wish I had used them for this one.
4.90 283 Reviews
Latest review
Mike C, over 1 month
Cosmic Solar is very flexible in comparison with other Companies, capable of dealing with HOA President and SDG&E PTO was received in record time.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$19,300 ($3.86 per watt)
Latest review
Mike C, over 1 month
Cosmic Solar is very flexible in comparison with other Companies, capable of dealing with HOA President and SDG&E PTO was received in record time.
4.89 196 Reviews
Latest review
itang, over 1 month
Thank you so much, I've been wanting solar panels for years but they were so cost prohibitive. I'm glad it's gotten a lot less expensive and that Sunwork nonprofit offers solar panels at a low cost for those who can qualify. Appreciate it!
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$13,500 ($2.70 per watt)
Latest review
itang, over 1 month
Thank you so much, I've been wanting solar panels for years but they were so cost prohibitive. I'm glad it's gotten a lot less expensive and that Sunwork nonprofit offers solar panels at a low cost for those who can qualify. Appreciate it!
4.85 204 Reviews
Latest review
Maria L, over 1 month
Our Stellar team was excellent! Everybody from the installation folks to the tech who explained how to use the app was helpful and professional. Communication with our rep was also really good- and thorough. Highly recommend!
Read more
Latest review
Maria L, over 1 month
Our Stellar team was excellent! Everybody from the installation folks to the tech who explained how to use the app was helpful and professional. Communication with our rep was also really good- and thorough. Highly recommend!
4.79 78 Reviews
Latest review
Arthur , over 1 month
Wanted to write this review to give anyone thinking of solar to absolutely go with Sol R US. From my first interactions with Daniel in sales, it was clear he was very knowledgeable and actually cared about the customer. His quote was significantly better than the competition and the install was clean and efficient. The actual owner was part of the installation team and was great to deal with. Overall, highly recommended!
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$15,350 ($3.07 per watt)
Latest review
Arthur , over 1 month
Wanted to write this review to give anyone thinking of solar to absolutely go with Sol R US. From my first interactions with Daniel in sales, it was clear he was very knowledgeable and actually cared about the customer. His quote was significantly better than the competition and the install was clean and efficient. The actual owner was part of the installation team and was great to deal with. Overall, highly recommended!
4.79 79 Reviews
Latest review
Gnyan Rama, over 1 month
Want to thank Meo and his team that made the solar instal project a breeze for us. He was always well prepared , took care of all the permits and installed the solar unit in record time (few weeks from planning to install). Inspections took a bit longer because of the city backlog. Highly recommend the team as trusted solar installers
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$14,900 ($2.98 per watt)
Latest review
Gnyan Rama, over 1 month
Want to thank Meo and his team that made the solar instal project a breeze for us. He was always well prepared , took care of all the permits and installed the solar unit in record time (few weeks from planning to install). Inspections took a bit longer because of the city backlog. Highly recommend the team as trusted solar installers
4.77 87 Reviews
Latest review
Ram, over 1 month
I strongly recommend excite energy for getting your solar system. They have been very helpful in answering all my concerns patiently and made sure all the processes are executed seamlessly. Colm, who installed the solar, did a very great job. He made sure he concealed the exterior/garage interior piping as much as possible and the job was done with minimal holes to the house. Special shoutout to Jonna/Arianna who helped me from getting all the paperwork/appointments from the start to the last hiccup of getting solar activated going through inspections and PG&E agreements.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$15,900 ($3.18 per watt)
Latest review
Ram, over 1 month
I strongly recommend excite energy for getting your solar system. They have been very helpful in answering all my concerns patiently and made sure all the processes are executed seamlessly. Colm, who installed the solar, did a very great job. He made sure he concealed the exterior/garage interior piping as much as possible and the job was done with minimal holes to the house. Special shoutout to Jonna/Arianna who helped me from getting all the paperwork/appointments from the start to the last hiccup of getting solar activated going through inspections and PG&E agreements.
4.75 33 Reviews
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
SunGreen did a wonderful job setting me up with solar panels at my new home. I was able to create the kind of design I wanted. Once installed, their tech support (Benny) has been outstanding in helping me understand how I can monitor the energy I'm producing. SunGreen is great and I highly recommend them.<br /><br />Everyone who get's solar in LA should know that LADWP does not pay you for the excess solar energy you create and send to their grid. I am still happy with my investment in solar because I don't have an electric bill (just the $22 tax every billing cycle for being hooked up to the grid) and my property value increased with the installation.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$26,650 ($5.33 per watt)
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
SunGreen did a wonderful job setting me up with solar panels at my new home. I was able to create the kind of design I wanted. Once installed, their tech support (Benny) has been outstanding in helping me understand how I can monitor the energy I'm producing. SunGreen is great and I highly recommend them.<br /><br />Everyone who get's solar in LA should know that LADWP does not pay you for the excess solar energy you create and send to their grid. I am still happy with my investment in solar because I don't have an electric bill (just the $22 tax every billing cycle for being hooked up to the grid) and my property value increased with the installation.
4.73 67 Reviews
Latest review
Alexa G, over 1 month
We inherited a solar system on a home we recently purchased. During escrow, the system faulted and no longer produced any power by the time we took occupancy. Suffice it to say, conversations were extremely difficult to coordinate among our home seller, real estate agents, the solar installer, the solar manufacturer, the battery installer, and the battery manufacturer. Enter Mike Curtis of Solar Symphony who took the time to not only educate me on solar power systems but also organized the conversations among the previously mentioned parties resulting in the work I needed to be covered by warranty and completed quickly by capable technician. Many thanks to Mike and everyone on the Solar Symphony team!
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$19,250 ($3.85 per watt)
Latest review
Alexa G, over 1 month
We inherited a solar system on a home we recently purchased. During escrow, the system faulted and no longer produced any power by the time we took occupancy. Suffice it to say, conversations were extremely difficult to coordinate among our home seller, real estate agents, the solar installer, the solar manufacturer, the battery installer, and the battery manufacturer. Enter Mike Curtis of Solar Symphony who took the time to not only educate me on solar power systems but also organized the conversations among the previously mentioned parties resulting in the work I needed to be covered by warranty and completed quickly by capable technician. Many thanks to Mike and everyone on the Solar Symphony team!
4.72 28 Reviews
Latest review
Vikram K., over 1 month
I purchased my system through these guys with a battery back up. We want to make sure if the grid goes down that we have power to our freezer and fridge so our food doesn't spoil. The team at gim was helpful throughout the process and even helped fix my ac system when they were mounting the panels on my roof. I recommend this team for their experience in construction. Easy quote process and kept my informed entire time.
Read more
Latest review
Vikram K., over 1 month
I purchased my system through these guys with a battery back up. We want to make sure if the grid goes down that we have power to our freezer and fridge so our food doesn't spoil. The team at gim was helpful throughout the process and even helped fix my ac system when they were mounting the panels on my roof. I recommend this team for their experience in construction. Easy quote process and kept my informed entire time.
How much do solar systems using the most common brands of solar panels cost in San Diego in 2024?
Where there is no specific pricing information available for a brand then we have used state pricing data for that brand.
Table 2: Local solar panel manufacturers
| Solar panel manufacturer | Avg. cost per watt |
|---|---|
| Canadian Solar | $2.39 |
| LONGi Solar | $2.33 |
| LG Solar | $2.69 |
| Panasonic | $2.71 |
| SunPower | $2.78 |
Why solar panel cost should not be your only consideration when buying solar panels for your home
The most important difference between buying solar panels and any other purchase is that solar panels last 25-30 years. This is a long, long time and you will need customer service over all that time. The reviews below of the two largest corporate solar installation companies indicate larger corporate solar companies are not delivering this support to their customers.
We recommend you find a small or mid-size, local, family-owned solar company. These companies tend to care more about you and your specific job. You don't want to be on hold to a corporation's call center for the next 25 years!
What other factors affect the cost of solar panels for your home?
The cost of solar doesn't just include the equipment and installation costs - it’s also made up of permitting costs, inspection costs, and installer profit margins.
These different components are what make the price of solar fluctuate between installations. Some of the factors that affect solar power system installation costs for specific homes include:
The amount of electricity your home uses
Homes that use more electricity will need more solar panels to cover their energy needs.
Although solar panels do get cheaper on a per-watt basis, the overall cost of the system will increase as more panels are added.
But, the higher a home’s energy usage, the more solar panels can save the homeowners on their energy bills.
The type of solar panels you buy
The price of solar panels can vary depending on the type of solar panels you choose.
There are two main types of solar panels for residential solar installations: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline solar panels tend to be more efficient and more expensive than other solar panels. Polycrystalline panels have a lower efficiency rating and come at a lower price point.
The type of inverter you buy will also influence the cost of your solar system.
The quality of your solar installation
You may see some solar quotes with prices that seem too good to be true.
If you get quoted for a ridiculously cheap price, the installer might be using low-quality equipment or an unsustainable pricing model. You want to use a solar installer that is charging enough so that they can stay in business - as you’ll be relying on them for the next 25 years!
It’s important to make sure that your installer is giving you the best quality at the best price possible. This is why getting multiple solar quotes is so important.
Federal, state, and local solar incentives
The overall cost of solar can be influenced by the solar incentives available.
Across the U.S., homeowners can apply for the federal solar tax credit. The solar tax credit makes installing solar more cost-effective by providing homeowners with a tax credit equal to 30% of the cost of their installed solar panel system.
Local solar tax incentives and rebates can end up saving homeowners thousands on a solar installation, especially when they’re used with the federal solar tax credit.
See what solar incentives are available in your area by using our solar panel calculator.
How is the cost of solar panels offset by solar tax credits in San Diego?
The cost of installing residential solar panels in San Diego varies with the brand of solar panels and inverters you choose, the installation company you choose to install them, the relative ease or difficulty of installing solar panels on your home, and of course the amount of solar panels you need. The amount of solar panels you need is, in turn, related to your energy usage.
Are solar panels worth it in San Diego in 2024
The table below shows the data extracted from a real life quote delivered through the SolarReviews marketplace recently for a fairly typical home in San Diego.
As you can see the payback period is relatively short and equates to a much better return on investment than he historical returns that have been available from investing in things like shares or property.
Table 2: Cost, savings and payback period for an average residential solar system in San Diego
| System information | Value |
|---|---|
| System Size (for 100% usage offset) | 6.34 kW |
| Annual power generation | 11,134 kWh |
| Pay-back time (assuming Cash purchase) | 5.1 Years |
| Internal rate of return (IRR) on investment | 16.3% |
| Gross cost | $14,337 |
| Total Upfront Incentives and Rebates | -$5,161 |
| Net Cost of System after rebated and incentives | $9,176 |
| Total Cost of Utility Power Avoided over 25 years | $50,608 |
Please note that the investment return figures do not include the possible increase in property value