North County San Diego Solar

North County San Diego covers a large area of San Diego County. It mostly covers the region north of State Route 56 up to Camp Pendleton, a large military base, and extends east into the desert. North County San Diego is known for its affluence, especially among coastal communities. There are many suburban communities in North County, and residential and business development continues to grow. There are many types of geography and topography in this area, including coastal, mountain, and desert regions. Along the coast you can find magnificent bluffs and cliffs as well as long stretches of sandy beaches. Slightly more inland there are rolling foothills and eventually mountains, and beyond that lies desert. There are many open spaces for people to enjoy outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, surfing, or rock climbing. Rivers that flow through the area from the mountains to the coast have created lakes and lagoons that people can enjoy as well.

Coastal: Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Oceanside, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach

Inland: Bonsall, Escondido, Fallbrook, Poway, Ramona, San Marcos, Valley Center, Vista

As one might expect from such a large area, many different communities exist in North County San Diego. Communities range from recent migrants working hard to adopt the American way of life to some of the most wealthy members of our society. Many of the homes in North County San Diego were built before 1990, but development has continued in recent years, and there are some communities that have erected within the last 15 years. There are many suburban communities composed of single family homes, both older and recent construction. High rise apartments, town homes, and other multi-unit complexes of varying construction age also exist throughout this area. Among some of the coastal coastal communities and other select areas of this region are extravagant mansions. The zip codes in North County San Diego are 92003, 92014, 92024, 92025, 92026, 92027, 92028, 92029, 92030, 92033, 92046, 92064, 92065, 92069, 92074, 92078, 92079, 92081, 92082, 92083, 92084, 92085, 92088, 92096, and 92128.

There is not as much diversity among North County compared to the rest of San Diego, but the different communities are characterized by different resident attributes. All residents of this area share a common affection for their environment and families, as well as a strong work ethic. Most of the migrant communities are Hispanic, working long hours in blue collar labor,especially the service industry. Many are younger, either married or single, with or without children, striving to achieve the American dream. Many of the suburban homes are occupied by married couples, with or without children. They tend to be homeowners, or prospective homeowners, take pride in their homes, and usually have longer commutes to work. These residents are well educated and tend to work as white collar professionals. Some of the wealthiest people in our society live in North County San Diego as well. They are very well educated, most with a post graduate degree, and many are business owners or have moved up the ranks at their jobs into consulting roles. Married couples without children tend to live in these magnificent homes. North County is full of consumers who are willing to spend money on quality purchases. Residents throughout the area are conscious about their health and appearance, as well as the health and appearance of their environment.

Fortunately, North County San Diego has low pollution scores throughout most of the area. However, there are a few areas with high pollution scores and low incomes as calculated by CalEnviroScreen. These areas are more likely to be vulnerable to pollution related issues. ​​ High rates of dust and pollution particles in disadvantaged communities may increase the spread of viruses, worsening the COVID-19 crisis in communities with already low defenses. Additionally, many parts of the area lie in high fire threat districts. These environmental qualities could qualify some residents for rebates and incentives for Solar Power, Plug-In Vehicles (and EV Charging), or Energy Storage installations, lowering the cost of these installations.

The homes in North County San Diego may face unique challenges, due to the age of the electrical panel, wiring, and roof. Makello has 7 ways to install solar without roof penetrations! (5 that you can take with you when you relocate!)

Our installation training, process, and documentation ensures the highest quality workmanship. We don’t lose sleep at night when it’s raining, and with us, neither will you! Visit our Why Makello page to learn more about why we have no roof leaks.

North County San Diego has excellent solar irradiance, making adoption of solar technology a wise investment, with fast payback in as little as 3 years for cash purchase, or cash-flow positive monthly loan payments. See how much you can save.

Solar energy adoption rates in North County San Diego are estimated to be between 15% and 25% of homes having solar photovoltaic (PV) panel installations.

Many residents and business owners in North County San Diego are interested in utilizing technology that is eco-friendly and improves quality of life. Solar energy systems are increasingly affordable, especially after energy efficiency measures reduce use, and incentives and financing options reduce the up front cost. Installing solar energy helps reduce energy costs while creating energy independence, which is especially useful during the peak use hours, rolling brown outs, or planned power outages. ​

• Federal Tax Credit:2019: 30%, 2020: 26%, 2021: 22%, 2022: 10%. 
• Businesses are eligible for Federal & State Depreciation, or up to 100% 1st Year Write-Off for business use.
• SASH and SOMAH programs (Makello will not assist with these installations, but know some residences may be eligible for these programs.)
• Avoid tariffs; hoarding and price increases affect all brands.
• Assess inflation, interest rates, income growth, and lifestyle.
• Technological efficiency gains are reaching the theoretical limit.
• Average residential installed cost is $3.5/W before incentives.

Plug-In Vehicles are a great way to show your attention to style and concern for the environment. Driving with zero greenhouse gas emissions contributes to cleaner air quality and may help lower potential pollution-related negative health impacts such as asthma, low birth weight, or complications for cardiovascular disease. Driving electric is also quieter, helping to reduce noise pollution related stressors. ​

Using public transportation also helps reduce air pollution! If you currently use or are interested in using public transportation, visit San Diego’s 5 Big Moves and MTS’s ElevateSD 2020 campaign to get ready for the clean transportation revolution.

Don’t just take our word for it, listen to Groundwork San Diego’s high school Green Team explain the benefits of Plug- In and Electric Vehicles.

Plug-In Vehicles come in many forms; SUV, van, truck, sedan, or motorcycle. Drive electric on Solar Power or Super-Off Peak discount utility power, for 1/3rd the cost of gas, instead of driving electric on Peak-Rate utility power for more than the cost of gas. EV and Plug-In Hybrid improved performance and no-noise driving, means more ‘Smiles Per Mile’.

Perks to Plug-In Vehicle drivers include access to California HOV Lanes for single occupant vehicles, discount parking & tolls in select cities, and a quiet, peaceful drive.

Plug-In Vehicles are a fun and efficient method for traveling around town, with rebates and incentives making the vehicles an increasingly affordable option for all income levels, home owners and renters alike. ​

Discount EV (or Plug-In Hybrid) utility rates apply to the whole house. Compare SUPER OFF-PEAK discount EVTOU5 utility rate ($0.05 – $0.09/kWh) vs solar power ($0.06 – $0.08/kWh after incentives cash purchase or $0.9 – $0.14/kWh loan) vs utility power (~$0.25-$0.56/kWh; low-income and medical CARE ~$0.16-$0.3/kWh).

• $17M in CalEVIP program funds
  • Proposed Level 2 Incentive Design, per connector, up to 10 connectors:
    • $5,000 standard application.
    • MUD $1,000
    • DAC $500
    • AB1550 $500
    • Rural $1,000
  • Proposed Level 3 Incentive Design, per connector, up to 6 connectors:

* LCFS= low carbon fuel standard

• EV Charging 30% tax credit extended through 2020. (Up to $1,000 residential, up to $30,000 commercial, retroactive to 2018)

• Up to $7,500 Federal Tax Credit
• Businesses are eligible for Federal & State Depreciation, or up to 100% 1st Year Write-Off for business use.
• Choose CVRP (CA Rebate, $1,000 – $2,500; Additional $2,000 if low-income qualified) or CVAP (CA Grant $5,000 to low-income qualified; available at specific car dealers) for new Plug-In Vehicle.
• Choose Clean Cars 4 All (Up to $9,500 for new or used Plug-In Vehicle) or CAP (EFMP CA Grant; $1,000 -$1,500 Retirement; $4,500 – $9,500 Scrap & Replace)
• CAP (CA Grant – $500, Smog Check Repairs)
• SDGE It’s On! Rebate (2020 Unknown; 2019:$850; 2018:$500; 2017:$200)
• SDGE Champions for Clean Air ($1,000 Teacher/First Responder)
• eMotorWerks (EVSE Up to $50 Rebate)
• California State Employee HR EV discount (roughly 4%-7% of vehicle cost, depending on model & package) $1,600+
• UCSD Staff up to $15,000 (Seasonal programs, 4-5 vehicle models $1,000 – $15,000 off, fleet pricing, various manufacturers)
• Many more employer company programs, such as Qualcomm.

• Saves $1,000 – $2,000/year in vehicle maintenance.
• Saves $1,000 – $3,500/year in vehicle supplies.​
• UCSD Staff up to $2,000/year free parking
• Saves $30-$50/year A Smog Check is NOT required for an EV. A Smog Check is NOT required for a Plug-In Hybrid in the first 8 years of ownership, however, the DMV annual “Smog Abatement Fee” ~$20 still applies.
• Reduced bridge and road tolls save up to $2,000.

Energy Storage, a.k.a. battery storage, can be a great option for North County San Diego residents and business owners. ‘Energy Independence‘ means that critical needs are met; life sustaining medical equipment, refrigeration, A/C, well pumps, security and technology works automatically, seamlessly, day or night, event during rolling blackouts, wildfire conditions, or planned utility shutdowns.

Check out Makello’s Mobile Energy Ecosystem – energy on the go with no need for utility power!

There are many rebate qualifiers that offset the purchase and installation costs, especially for those in High Fire Threat Districts or Disadvantaged Communities. 

Rebates and incentives can cover up to 100% of gross installed cost!  Energy Storage can be used daily to increase utility cost savings.

• Federal Tax Credit: 2019: 30%, 2020: 26%, 2021: 22%, 2022: 10% (solar power generation required) 
• Businesses are eligible for Federal & State Depreciation, or up to 100% 1st Year Write-Off for business use if Energy Storage is connected to grid-tied solar .
• SGIP Rebates: $250/kWh residential Tier 5; Disadvantaged Community & Low-Income Qualified Community or Resident: $850 – $1,000/kWh; High Fire Threat District Level 2 & Level 3: $850 – $1,000/kWh. (If 2 or more Public Safety Power Shutoffs, or if an electric well pump is the primary water source.)
• Discount EVTOU5 rate can double Energy Storage cost savings.
• Average residential installed cost starts at $1,300/kWh before incentives.