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an Diego, CA, is celebrated as the city where the sun shines 266 days a year. It’s thus not surprising that this sunny city is one of the prime locations for solar energy production. The potential of photovoltaic (PV) panels in this city is simply mind-blowing, and both homeowners and businesses are embracing their immense benefits. It's no wonder that the city proudly secures a place in the top three US cities generating the highest amount of solar power.
Solar Panels in America's Finest City
It's not just the sun that has driven solar energy to thrive in San Diego. Forward-thinking public policies and incentives have created a conducive environment for solar companies. The city is home to several leading solar panel installers, each aiming to capitalize on the abundant sunshine and feed the ever-increasing energy demand.
Breaking Down the Cost of Solar Panels
The cost of solar panels has dramatically dropped over the years. According to Energy Sage, the average cost per watt in America's Finest City is around $3.01 as of 2023, which is slightly higher than the national average.
One of the main cost factors is the size of the PV panel system. If you aim to meet the typical energy consumption of an SD household, which amounts to approximately 9,000 kWh per year, it is best to install a home solar array with a capacity of 5 or 6 kW. Therefore, homeowners can expect to pay between $15,000 to $18,000 for a photovoltaic system. However, the long-term savings from this initial investment are significant, with many homeowners saving up to 100% on their monthly electric bills.
Incentives for Solar in CA
California, in its commitment to renewable energy, has rolled out several incentives that make going solar a viable, cost-effective solution. Let's take a quick glance at them.
- The Federal Solar Tax Credit: This is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your federal income tax. As of 2023, you can deduct 30% of the cost of a solar energy system from your federal taxes.
- DAC-SASH (Disadvantaged Communities - Single-family Solar Homes): DAC-SASH is a program in California designed to make solar power more accessible to low-income households.
- Property Tax Exclusion: This incentive exempts you from paying additional property taxes on the value your solar panel system adds to your home.
- Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP): SGIP provides rebates for installing energy storage systems at your home or business. This is particularly useful if you want to store excess solar energy for use when the sun isn't shining.
- Net Metering: Net metering allows solar customers to receive bill credits for the excess electricity their panels generate and send back to the grid.
Best of the Best: Top solar companies in San Diego
California's second-largest city has a plethora of PV installers to choose from. We have handpicked some of the best solar companies in San Diego to help you harness the power of the sun.
San Diego Solar Inc
Steering our list is San Diego Solar Inc., one of the few local installation companies licensed in solar, electrical, and roofing. They come with over 20 years of experience in solar installations, which makes them seasoned industry veterans. The company stands behind their products and services with impressive warranties — 10 years on labor and 25 years on products.
What's unique about them is their one-contract deal that includes complete electrical services, complete roofing services, and complete solar services. This gives you a chance to maximize your tax credit or even get a new roof included in your loan payments if you're paying in cash. Plus, their custom system designs and transparent pricing adds to their reputation.
Semper Solaris
Semper Solaris is another noteworthy company that primarily deals with solar panel setup installations, but it also branches out into other solar related services like battery storage and roofing services. The company even provides HVAC services, which is an excellent add-on.
Semper Solaris stands out with its all-in-one package, "Semper 360," bundling a heat-reflective “cool roof,” a high-quality HVAC system, and a solar panel system with a battery unit. They use top-notch panels from Q Cells and Silfab, including a 25 and 30-year warranty. Additionally, they use Enphase microinverters and Tesla PVI inverters, all with impressive warranties. The company even provides some of the best batteries, such as the Enphase and Tesla Powerwall, with 10-year warranties.
Some leading solar panel manufacturers include SunPower, LG Solar, JinkoSolar, Canadian Solar, and Trina Solar. Each offers a variety of products and technologies.
Fusion Solar
For over 24 years, Fusion Solar Services has proved to be a reliable and seasoned contender within the solar industry. They specialize in solar removal, reinstallation, and maintenance services for residential and commercial properties.
Fusion prides itself on its educational sales approach and transparency when it comes to licensing and credentials. Despite limited information on their website, their comprehensive portfolio is available to browse, allowing potential customers to see the company's past projects.
Solar Source, Inc.
Last but definitely not least is Solar Source, Inc., a family-owned company that has been in business since 1984. With a legacy trusted by over 60,000 clients, the installer focuses on residential, commercial, and industrial solar projects.
Although their prices are not the cheapest, they offer a remarkable 25-year optimal performance guarantee on all their PV panel systems. This commitment to quality is what sets them apart. They also offer a free quote process and have an online quote form for customer convenience. Selecting the best solar panel companies is crucial for homeowners and businesses looking to invest in solar energy system
Conclusion: Embracing the Solar Power Revolution
Wrapping up, Southern California's coastal city isn't just a city kissed by the sun, it's a burgeoning hub for solar energy. With falling panel costs, supportive policies, and a growing roster of solar companies in San Diego, residents are turning rooftops into power plants. If you're considering making the solar switch, the road's been paved with promising opportunities. As solar becomes increasingly mainstream, SD continues to blaze the trail, and if you're lucky enough to live here, it's a bright future indeed.
Sources:
https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/city/california/san_diego
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/05/us-solar-energy-cities-most/
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