East County San Diego Solar

East County San Diego is different from what people would expect when talking about San Diego. Although it is still an area of year round fun in the sun, it is not characterized by beaches. Instead, you can find vast acreage of foothills, mountains, canyons, and desert if you go east enough. Many residents enjoy the family oriented lifestyle away from the bustle of the city. Recreational activities include hiking, rock climbing, and biking at the various open spaces East County has to offer. Many Native American tribes have roots to this area, and some of their headquarters and casinos are located here today.

Alpine, El Cajon, Granite Hills, La Mesa, Lakeside, Lemon Grove, Santee, Spring Valley

Many of the homes in East County San Diego are relatively older. A vast majority were built before the turn of the century, and many of those were built before 1980. There are many family oriented households that range across retirees, recent college graduates, coupled families, and single parent homes. There are many suburbs in this area as well as homeowners living on large amounts of land. Multi-unit buildings such as town homes and apartments exist in most areas of East County San Diego as well. The zip codes in East County San Diego are 91901, 91903, 91941, 91942, 91943, 91944, 91945, 91946, 91976, 91977, 91978, 91979, 92019, 92020, 92021, 92022, 92040, 92071, 92072, and 92119.

Residents in East County San Diego are diverse culturally, socioeconomically, and by age. Some areas are occupied by mostly young professionals or single parent families, while other areas are retirement communities. Married-couple families of all ages and empty nest homeowners also reside in East County San Diego. Residents are environmentally conscious and willing to spend money on quality purchases or name brands. They are also health conscious, exercising often and purchasing quality food and medications. Most areas have an above average labor force participation. Income comes from white and blue collar labor, as well as investments and social security or retirement payments. Many residents have to commute longer distances to work, or prefer to work at home if possible. There are many homeowners or prospective homeowners that take pride in their homes.

East County San Diego has many areas with high pollution scores and low incomes as calculated by CalEnviroScreen, representing a population 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 East County San Diego 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.

East 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 East County San Diego are estimated to be between 10% and 20% of homes having solar photovoltaic (PV) panel installations.

Many residents and business owners in East 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 East 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.