October 23, 2018
INFOGRAPHIC - 5 Facts About San Diego Photovoltaic (PV) Solar
Solar energy is a popular way for San Diego homeowners to take advantage of the region's sunny weather to help lower their utility costs. We look at 5 key facts about photovoltaic solar in San Diego.
Many San Diego homeowners have turned to photovoltaic (PV) solar energy as a way to offset the rising costs of power in Southern California. Before installing solar panels, it’s important to know some key details before officially making the switch to solar.
Below we’ve create a helpful infographic outlining 5 facts about photovoltaic (PV) solar in San Diego.
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5 Facts About San Diego Photovoltaic (PV) Solar
1. San Diego Ranks 2nd for Solar Power in the U.S.
- San Diego is among the top cities in the nations when it comes to solar panel installation and renewable energy generation.
- Between 2015 and 2016, solar energy in San Diego increased by 26%.
- Along with San Diego, Los Angeles and Phoenix were among the top solar cities in the U.S.
2. Ample Sunshine Makes Solar a Great Investment
- With over 260 days of sunshine each year, San Diego is a prime locale for homeowners to take advantage of solar energy.
3. The Cost of Solar Panels Varies by Area
- Not all San Diego communities can expect the same costs when it comes to solar panels. According to EnergySage, Ocean Beach has the highest cost per watt in San Diego ($8.25), while Lakeside has the lowest cost per watt ($3.98).
- Before incentives and rebates, the average price for a solar PV system in San Diego in 2016 was $17,150. That comes to an average cost per watt of $3.43 in San Diego.
4. The Economics Just Make Sense
- Solar panels will generally last a minimum of 25 years. With a typical payback period of only 5.5 years, homeowners can rack up nearly 20 years worth of energy savings after installation!
- A typical San Diego household whose average SDG&E bill is $250 can expect to save over $133,000 over the 25 year lifespan of their solar panel system.
5. Getting Started is Easy
- Currently, the cost to plan check/permit a residential solar PV building permit is waived by the County of San Diego. What’s more, residential on-site solar PV permits can typically be processed over the counter, assuming all documentation is in order.
Sources:
- https://environmentcalifornia.org/news/cae/san-diego-ranks-2nd-solar-power-nation-0
- https://www.sdge.com/residential/savings-center/solar-power-renewable-energy/considering-solar
- https://news.energysage.com/installing-solar-panels-san-diego/
- https://www.solarreviews.com/news/residential-solar-in-san-diego-just-how-worthwhile-is-it/
- https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/pds/solarpv.html