Solar EstimatorEstimate Savings
Solar energy in San Diego
Solar Estimator - Your friendly solar savings calculator

Solar Installers in San Diego, CA

San Diego has some of California's highest electricity rates at $0.38/kWh, making solar+battery an excellent investment under NEM 3.0. With 266 sunny days per year, a properly sized solar+battery system pays for itself faster than anywhere else in CA.

Average System Cost
$28,840
7 kW system
Annual Savings
$2,600
Per year
Peak Sun Hours
5.7
Per day

Top Solar Companies Serving San Diego

View All Companies →

Featured

Powur PBC

Del Mar, CA

3.3

500 reviews

Powur PBC is a B-Corp certified solar marketplace and MLM company that connects customers with solar installation partners across 22 states. Operating since 2014, Powur uses independent consultants for sales and subcontracts installation work to regional partners.

Experience:19 years
Warranty:30 years
BBB Rating:A+
Model:marketplace

Sunrun

San Francisco, CA

3.8

2800 reviews

Sunrun is the largest residential solar company in the U.S., specializing in solar leases and PPAs. They offer comprehensive protection including roof leak coverage and free maintenance for lease customers.

Experience:18 years
Warranty:25 years
BBB Rating:B

Momentum Solar

South Plainfield, NJ (serves CA)

3.5

1200 reviews

Momentum Solar is a rapidly growing national installer with operations across multiple states. They offer competitive pricing and various financing options, though customer service quality can vary by region.

Experience:12 years
Warranty:25 years
BBB Rating:B-

Stellar Solar

Oceanside, CA

4.9

676 reviews

Stellar Solar is a top-rated local installer with 28 years of experience in Southern California since 1998. As an authorized Maxeon dealer, they install premium Maxeon panels (formerly SunPower) with industry-leading 40-year warranties. With over 16,000 residential and commercial installations, they are consistently voted San Diego's Best Solar.

Experience:28 years
Warranty:40 years
BBB Rating:A+

Elevation

Chandler, AZ (serves CA)

4.1

450 reviews

Elevation offers comprehensive home energy solutions beyond just solar. Their services include energy audits, insulation, and HVAC upgrades, making them ideal for homeowners seeking complete efficiency improvements.

Experience:11 years
Warranty:25 years
BBB Rating:A+

Palmetto Solar

Charleston, SC (serves CA)

4

850 reviews

Palmetto Solar is a B Corp certified company focused on social and environmental impact. Their proprietary technology platform provides advanced monitoring and energy management tools.

Experience:15 years
Warranty:25 years
BBB Rating:F

Disclaimer: Company rankings are based on publicly available data including customer reviews, BBB ratings, years in business, and service offerings as of February 2, 2026. Featured companies may include paid placements.

Local Solar Information

SDG&E customers are under NEM 3.0 net billing, where battery storage is strongly recommended to maximize self-consumption and savings. San Diego County offers expedited solar permitting in most jurisdictions.

Utility Company

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)

Average Rate: $0.38/kWh

NEM 3.0 - Net Billing Tariff. Highest rates in California, making solar highly attractive.

Solar panels on residential roof

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do solar panels cost in San Diego?

A solar+battery system averages $28,800 for a 7kW solar system with a 10kWh battery under NEM 3.0. State incentives may help reduce upfront costs.

Why are SDG&E rates so high?

SDG&E has the highest electricity rates in California due to infrastructure costs and wildfire mitigation expenses.

How long until solar pays for itself in San Diego?

With SDG&E's high rates and a solar+battery system under NEM 3.0, most systems pay for themselves in 8-9 years.

San Diego Solar News

Learn more about solar energy in your area

Get a Free Estimate in Seconds

See how much you can save on your electricity bill with solar power.