Solar ROI Calculator for El Cajon, CA

Stop guessing. See exactly how much the 30% Federal Credit saves you in 92020.

Calculate Savings for El Cajon (92020)

$150

Fetching NREL Solar Data for El Cajon...

25-Year Savings

$57,563

Break-Even

3.1 Years

Net Cost

$5,634

Get 3 Official Quotes for 92020 →

*Ad Disclosure: We may earn a referral fee if you request quotes through this link.

Is Solar Worth it in El Cajon?

Homeowners in El Cajon sit in the "Solar Sweet Spot." You have high electricity rates (46.3¢) combined with excellent southern sun exposure. This combination maximizes ROI faster than almost anywhere else in the country.

Homeowners in El Cajon are currently paying an average of 46.3 cents per kWh. Solar is a "No-Brainer" investment in California right now. With a payback of under 5 years, the returns drastically outperform the S&P 500 average.

With the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) currently set at 30%, a typical 6kW to 10kW residential system in the 92020 area can typically pay for itself in just 4.5 to 9 years. After this "break-even" point, your system generates effectively free electricity for the remainder of its 25-year lifespan.

Key El Cajon Statistics

  • Avg Rate: 46.3¢ / kWh
  • Sun Exposure: High (Southern US)
  • Est. Payback: 4.5 Years
  • Incentive: 30% Federal ITC

State Incentives for CA

Beyond the federal credit, residents of El Cajon should check for local net metering policies offered by their specific utility provider. These policies determine how much you get paid for sending excess energy back to the grid.

Frequently Asked Questions in El Cajon

Is solar worth it in El Cajon, CA?

Yes. With electricity rates in El Cajon currently averaging 46.3 cents/kWh, most homeowners see a break-even point between 6-9 years. This is significantly better than the national average.

Does the 30% Tax Credit apply to residents of CA?

Absolutely. Homeowners in El Cajon are eligible for the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the income tax you owe.

How long do solar panels last?

Modern tier-1 solar panels are warrantied for 25 years but often last 30+ years. Our calculator accounts for a 0.5% annual degradation in efficiency.

What is Net Metering?

Net metering allows you to sell excess electricity back to the grid. Policies vary by utility company in your area, but it is a key factor in maximizing ROI.

Methodology: How We Calculated This

  • Irradiance: NREL PVWatts® V8 API data for coords 32.7948, -116.9625.
  • Escalation: Conservative 2.5% annual utility rate increase.
  • Degradation: 0.5% annual panel efficiency loss.

Compare Solar ROI in Nearby CA Cities

Hayward CalculatorSan Bernardino CalculatorEl Monte CalculatorIrvine CalculatorModesto CalculatorRoseville Calculator