Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oceanside, CA (2024 Update)
- Oceanside Solar Installation Cost: $6,837
- 25-Year Savings: $17,186
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oceanside
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Oceanside.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Oceanside is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Oceanside is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,837 for a solar installation, or $9,777 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Oceanside homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $30,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oceanside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,178 |
| 3 years | $-1,860 |
| 5 years | $1,459 |
| 7 years | $4,777 |
| 9 years | $8,095 |
| 11 years | $11,413 |
| 13 years | $14,731 |
| 15 years | $18,050 |
| 17 years | $21,368 |
| 19 years | $24,686 |
| 21 years | $28,004 |
| 23 years | $31,322 |
| 25 years | $34,641 |
Top Solar Installers in Oceanside
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Oceanside, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Oceanside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oceanside
For many Oceanside homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Oceanside, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Oceanside, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Oceanside average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Oceanside have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Oceanside is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.61 | $15,157 | $32,944 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $44,314 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $55,878 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $67,636 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $79,589 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $91,736 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $104,078 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $116,614 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Oceanside, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Oceanside, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oceanside?
The average cost of solar panels in Oceanside is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Oceanside?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Oceanside, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Oceanside?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.