Solar ROI in San Diego
Is solar worth it in San Diego? The numbers suggest a strong "Yes." With local electricity rates hovering around $0.38/kWh, homeowners are increasingly looking for relief from monthly bills.
Fortunately, San Diego is blessed with 5.7 peak sun hours daily. This combination of high utility costs and abundant solar resource acts as a force multiplier for your ROI, potentially slashing your break-even time significantly compared to national averages.
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Solar Potential Report
Prepared for property in San Diego
April 5, 2026
Executive Summary
Input Parameters
| Current Monthly Bill | $150 |
| Electricity Rate | $0.38/kWh |
| Daily Peak Sun Hours | 5.7 hours |
| Location | San Diego, USA |
| Govt. Subsidy Eligible | $2,585Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) |
Why Solar Works Here
San Diego receives an average of 5.7 hours of sunlight per day. With current electricity rates at $0.38/kWh, switching to solar replaces a permanent rental cost (utility bill) with a temporary investment cost (solar system). After the 3.2-year payback period, your energy production is essentially free.
Generated by CostSmart Solar Calculator. Estimates are based on average irradiance data and standard installation costs.
Visit https://costsmart.app for live updates.
How Solar Panels Save You Money
How do Solar Panels Work? (TED-Ed)
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Local Solar Stats
- Daily Sun Hours5.7 hrs
- Grid Cost0.38/kWh
- Install Cost~2900/kW
Solar ROI FAQs for San Diego
How accurate is the solar ROI calculator?
Our calculator uses official solar irradiance data and current electricity rates to provide estimates within ±10% accuracy. Actual savings may vary based on system efficiency, maintenance, and weather patterns.
What factors affect solar panel ROI?
Key factors include: local electricity rates, average daily sunlight hours, system installation cost, available subsidies, system efficiency, maintenance costs, and electricity consumption patterns.
How long does it take to recover solar investment?
In most Indian cities, the payback period ranges from 4-7 years depending on electricity rates and system size. After this, you essentially get free electricity for the remaining 20+ years of panel life.
Are government subsidies included in calculations?
Yes, our calculator factors in central government subsidies for residential solar installations up to 10 kW capacity. State-level subsidies vary and should be verified locally.