Solar Panel Cost Calculator

Solar Installation Estimate

Calculate your potential solar savings based on your electricity usage, roof type, and location in San Diego County.

Includes the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) available through 2032.

How It Works

We estimate system size based on your monthly electric bill and calculate costs using San Diego-area pricing:

System size from bill amount
$2.50-$3.50 per watt installed
Roof type installation adjustments
Shading impact on production
Battery storage options

Your City

Monthly Electric Bill ($)

Average SDG&E bill amount

Roof Type

Tile roofs require extra mounting hardware

Roof Shading

Include Battery Storage (+$8,000-15,000)

Finance Option

Solar Installation Costs in San Diego

Solar panel costs vary by system size, roof complexity, and equipment quality. Here are typical 2026 ranges before incentives:

Small System (4-6 kW)

$10K - $18K

Average Home (7-10 kW)

$17K - $30K

Large System (11-15 kW)

$27K - $45K

Solar Incentives Available

Federal Tax Credit (ITC): 30% of total system cost through 2032

Net Metering: Sell excess energy back to SDG&E

Property Tax Exemption: Solar adds value without increasing property taxes

SGIP Rebate: Additional incentives for battery storage

Low-Income Programs: DAC-SASH and other assistance programs

What Affects Solar Costs?

System Size: Based on your energy usage and roof space

Panel Quality: Premium panels (SunPower, LG) cost more but produce more

Roof Type: Tile roofs require special mounting brackets

Inverter Type: String vs microinverters vs optimizers

Battery Storage: Optional backup power adds $8,000-$15,000+

Electrical Upgrades: Panel upgrades if needed for system size

Solar Installation Cost FAQ

How much do solar panels cost in San Diego?

Solar panel installation in San Diego costs $15,000-$30,000 before incentives. After the federal tax credit (30%), net cost drops to $10,500-$21,000.

How long does solar installation take?

Solar installation takes 1-3 days for the actual installation. Permitting and utility approval add 4-8 weeks to the total timeline.

Are solar panels worth it in San Diego?

Yes. San Diego has some of the highest electricity rates in the US, making solar very cost-effective. Most systems pay for themselves in 5-7 years.