*Prices are shown after applying the 30% federal tax credit.
As of Jan 2023, 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.
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.
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 |
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
4.93 392 Reviews
Happy with Solar in the Desert, over 1 month
From start to finish, the company was responsive, knowledgeable, timely, and professional. All the staff were polite and professional. Matt (account manager) was especially great, ready to answer any questions and keep us updated on the entire process. No regrets. Excellent experience.
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Happy with Solar in the Desert, over 1 month
From start to finish, the company was responsive, knowledgeable, timely, and professional. All the staff were polite and professional. Matt (account manager) was especially great, ready to answer any questions and keep us updated on the entire process. No regrets. Excellent experience.
4.90 281 Reviews
Jonathan B, over 1 month
From start to finish, Cosmic Solar made the entire installation easy! It took just a few months from start to finish! They helped us source financing.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$19,300 ($3.86 per watt)
Jonathan B, over 1 month
From start to finish, Cosmic Solar made the entire installation easy! It took just a few months from start to finish! They helped us source financing.
4.89 196 Reviews
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)
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!
4.85 139 Reviews
David B., 2 days ago
My solar system became operational in March 2021. Since then I have not made a payment to SCE. I actually net a credit at the end of each year of around $350. Considering my average SCE bill was $120/month, I'm saving on an annual basis approximately $1800/year. Working with Stellar Solar through the proposal and installation process was hassle free. I had 4 bids including Stellar. All were within the same price range. What made the difference for me was talking to neighbors that had solar by Stellar. I received nothing but positive feedback about Stellar and their attention to detail. In the two years since the install, I've had no issues with the panels. They are still producing the same electricity as when first installed. Also, I've never had to call Stellar for any kind of fix regarding the installation. There has been no leaks in the roof.
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David B., 2 days ago
My solar system became operational in March 2021. Since then I have not made a payment to SCE. I actually net a credit at the end of each year of around $350. Considering my average SCE bill was $120/month, I'm saving on an annual basis approximately $1800/year. Working with Stellar Solar through the proposal and installation process was hassle free. I had 4 bids including Stellar. All were within the same price range. What made the difference for me was talking to neighbors that had solar by Stellar. I received nothing but positive feedback about Stellar and their attention to detail. In the two years since the install, I've had no issues with the panels. They are still producing the same electricity as when first installed. Also, I've never had to call Stellar for any kind of fix regarding the installation. There has been no leaks in the roof.
4.80 77 Reviews
Gene , over 1 month
Professional Workmanship and Design. Excellent Customer Service. Top tier components. Expedient timelines. Very Affordable pricing. Meo Nguyen and Affordable Home Solar offer the best value in the SF Bay Area. Highly Recommend!!
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Average cost (5kW system)
$14,900 ($2.98 per watt)
Gene , over 1 month
Professional Workmanship and Design. Excellent Customer Service. Top tier components. Expedient timelines. Very Affordable pricing. Meo Nguyen and Affordable Home Solar offer the best value in the SF Bay Area. Highly Recommend!!
4.80 69 Reviews
Paul, over 1 month
I contacted SolRUs due to a referral from a friend. I contacted the sales team on May 11th. They asked me for information on current energy usage, which I supplied. A few days later, Chris, the owner, came to my house to inspect the roof and my electrical setup. We discussed the project and he was up-front with answers to all of my questions. They gave me a quote on May 20. The only downfall is that they only install Panasonic or LG branded panels. As those are more expensive panels, their quote was slightly above other quotes. Chris said they are currently booked for installs for 30 days, so they scheduled my install for June 27th. But on June 3rd, they called me and said they had a cancellation on Monday, June 6th. They asked if I was ok with them doing the install on June 6th. I was ok with that. The team arrived at about 8:05am. Everyone on the team was friendly. Chris, the owner, came by around 10am to make sure everything was going well and asked if I had any questions. They completed the install by 1pm. The entire job was done professionally and efficiently. The next day, I received emails with information about the 25-year warranties on all of the products that they installed. I got a call from Daniel from the sales team. He asked how everything went. He set me up with the APP that is used to monitor the panels. He has scheduled the city inspection for tomorrow. As soon as that is complete, they submit the paperwork to get net-metering completed with our electric utility, which may take 2-3 weeks. I am VERY happy with how the project was completed - from beginning to end. In less than a month from my initial contact with SolRUs, I'm up and running on solar power. I didn't have to deal with anything. They took care of permits and inspections. They will submit the paperwork needed with my electrical utility. I would highly recommend SolRUs to anyone.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$15,350 ($3.07 per watt)
Paul, over 1 month
I contacted SolRUs due to a referral from a friend. I contacted the sales team on May 11th. They asked me for information on current energy usage, which I supplied. A few days later, Chris, the owner, came to my house to inspect the roof and my electrical setup. We discussed the project and he was up-front with answers to all of my questions. They gave me a quote on May 20. The only downfall is that they only install Panasonic or LG branded panels. As those are more expensive panels, their quote was slightly above other quotes. Chris said they are currently booked for installs for 30 days, so they scheduled my install for June 27th. But on June 3rd, they called me and said they had a cancellation on Monday, June 6th. They asked if I was ok with them doing the install on June 6th. I was ok with that. The team arrived at about 8:05am. Everyone on the team was friendly. Chris, the owner, came by around 10am to make sure everything was going well and asked if I had any questions. They completed the install by 1pm. The entire job was done professionally and efficiently. The next day, I received emails with information about the 25-year warranties on all of the products that they installed. I got a call from Daniel from the sales team. He asked how everything went. He set me up with the APP that is used to monitor the panels. He has scheduled the city inspection for tomorrow. As soon as that is complete, they submit the paperwork to get net-metering completed with our electric utility, which may take 2-3 weeks. I am VERY happy with how the project was completed - from beginning to end. In less than a month from my initial contact with SolRUs, I'm up and running on solar power. I didn't have to deal with anything. They took care of permits and inspections. They will submit the paperwork needed with my electrical utility. I would highly recommend SolRUs to anyone.
4.79 66 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
As having solar system installed is a 20 years commitment, I spoke to 5 solar companies not just to compare the price but most importantly to see cross reference the information they provided.<br /><br />What I found out, sales reps mostly reply on the computer program generated quote. Interestingly, after analyzing the same PG&E electricity usage history, some quoted me 7.6kw and some quoted me 5.8kw system. That is a huge difference that I definitely would love to sort out why. Most sales rep will cite that is how their software calculates, some said that is based upon system needs to cover 100% PG&E usage. Only Ali from Highligh Solar clearly explained how PG&E Net Metering works, and made clear sense the system size he recommended.<br /><br />The most amazing about Ali is that any question I came up with, e.g. what is the back feed of my main panel, he can get me the right answer right away even after 6 weeks of his visit, with picture of my panel attached. <br /><br />Once the decision is made, Ali walked me through the proposal and contract review, and Dean, the owner, was also very accommodating to accept some revisions I requested.. <br /><br />Then Jesse helped with permits and project management, Sam helped with monitoring and PG&E application, plus the professional installation team who made the whole process as smooth as it gets.<br /><br />2 days after installation, I reported weird system reading from Solar Edge mobile app, Dean and Sam called Solar Edge and confirmed they need to replace the inverter, which then got scheduled and done in less than 2 days by next available technician.<br /><br />In the end, Dean also personally helped me understand Solar Edge monitor reading, and answer many solar production related questions!!!<br /><br />All in all, I highly recommend Highlight Solar for their well rounded professional team!!!!!! Their service deserved 6 stars!!!
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$19,550 ($3.91 per watt)
Anonymous, over 1 month
As having solar system installed is a 20 years commitment, I spoke to 5 solar companies not just to compare the price but most importantly to see cross reference the information they provided.<br /><br />What I found out, sales reps mostly reply on the computer program generated quote. Interestingly, after analyzing the same PG&E electricity usage history, some quoted me 7.6kw and some quoted me 5.8kw system. That is a huge difference that I definitely would love to sort out why. Most sales rep will cite that is how their software calculates, some said that is based upon system needs to cover 100% PG&E usage. Only Ali from Highligh Solar clearly explained how PG&E Net Metering works, and made clear sense the system size he recommended.<br /><br />The most amazing about Ali is that any question I came up with, e.g. what is the back feed of my main panel, he can get me the right answer right away even after 6 weeks of his visit, with picture of my panel attached. <br /><br />Once the decision is made, Ali walked me through the proposal and contract review, and Dean, the owner, was also very accommodating to accept some revisions I requested.. <br /><br />Then Jesse helped with permits and project management, Sam helped with monitoring and PG&E application, plus the professional installation team who made the whole process as smooth as it gets.<br /><br />2 days after installation, I reported weird system reading from Solar Edge mobile app, Dean and Sam called Solar Edge and confirmed they need to replace the inverter, which then got scheduled and done in less than 2 days by next available technician.<br /><br />In the end, Dean also personally helped me understand Solar Edge monitor reading, and answer many solar production related questions!!!<br /><br />All in all, I highly recommend Highlight Solar for their well rounded professional team!!!!!! Their service deserved 6 stars!!!
4.78 69 Reviews
Eric, over 1 month
We contracted with Mynt Solar to install an 8 kW rooftop solar system and had a great experience with them start to finish. Their sales team was very informative and professional. They have flat pricing, which makes things very straightforward, and they took the time to answer all my questions and make sure we were making the right investment for our needs. I also really appreciated that they were very objective and weren't trying to sway us into using them by badmouthing their competitors - I can't say as much for a few of their competitors... Another thing that pushed us over the edge to use Mynt Solar was their assurance that they could get the system installed relatively quickly to ensure that we could take advantage of the tax credit on this year's filing. They absolutely delivered on that. After we'd signed the contract, we were assigned a project manager who did an excellent job of keeping everything moving along and keeping us apprised of the status. The only significant amount of time spent waiting during the process was always while waiting for the city/power company to come out and do their next step. Mynt made sure to submit all the applications very promptly and to have the installation scheduled such that everything just moved along as quickly as the approvals came through. Only time will tell, but given their business model, I'm also very optimistic that they'll be around for a good long time to provide their advertised warranty service should we ever need it. I can wholeheartedly recommend them if you are looking for solar or roofing services.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$14,750 ($2.95 per watt)
Eric, over 1 month
We contracted with Mynt Solar to install an 8 kW rooftop solar system and had a great experience with them start to finish. Their sales team was very informative and professional. They have flat pricing, which makes things very straightforward, and they took the time to answer all my questions and make sure we were making the right investment for our needs. I also really appreciated that they were very objective and weren't trying to sway us into using them by badmouthing their competitors - I can't say as much for a few of their competitors... Another thing that pushed us over the edge to use Mynt Solar was their assurance that they could get the system installed relatively quickly to ensure that we could take advantage of the tax credit on this year's filing. They absolutely delivered on that. After we'd signed the contract, we were assigned a project manager who did an excellent job of keeping everything moving along and keeping us apprised of the status. The only significant amount of time spent waiting during the process was always while waiting for the city/power company to come out and do their next step. Mynt made sure to submit all the applications very promptly and to have the installation scheduled such that everything just moved along as quickly as the approvals came through. Only time will tell, but given their business model, I'm also very optimistic that they'll be around for a good long time to provide their advertised warranty service should we ever need it. I can wholeheartedly recommend them if you are looking for solar or roofing services.
4.78 40 Reviews
Jan, 2 weeks ago
I was referred to Guy and his team at AmeriGreen Solar by my brother who utilized AmeriGreen for solar at his home. My brother is a lifelong contractor and did a lot of research prior to choosing AmeriGreen so I decided to setup a consultation and I was impressed by their presentation, products, warranty, attentiveness, and overall service. My only issue with the process was the amount of time it took LADWP to come swap my meter but that was outside of their control. I am very happy with the final product and have already recommended them to several friends.
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Jan, 2 weeks ago
I was referred to Guy and his team at AmeriGreen Solar by my brother who utilized AmeriGreen for solar at his home. My brother is a lifelong contractor and did a lot of research prior to choosing AmeriGreen so I decided to setup a consultation and I was impressed by their presentation, products, warranty, attentiveness, and overall service. My only issue with the process was the amount of time it took LADWP to come swap my meter but that was outside of their control. I am very happy with the final product and have already recommended them to several friends.
4.75 33 Reviews
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)
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.
Where there is no specific pricing information available for a brand then we have used state pricing data for that brand.
Solar panel manufacturer | Avg. cost per watt |
---|---|
Canadian Solar | $2.39 |
LG Solar | $2.69 |
SunPower | $2.78 |
Panasonic | $2.71 |
LONGi Solar | $2.33 |
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!
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:
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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