Advertiser Disclosure
Our editorial team is committed to creating independent and objective content focused on helping our readers make informed decisions. To help support these efforts we receive compensation from companies that advertise with us.
The compensation we receive from these companies may impact how and where products appear on this site. This compensation does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides within our content. We do not include all companies, products or offers that may be available.
10 best solar companies in San Francisco, California
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
Join more than 1,246 people who have received a quote in the last 30 days.
We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of San Francisco. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
To perform a high-quality solar panel installation in San Francisco, California, you'll need a certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've put together a list of the best solar companies in San Francisco to help you select the right one.
Before choosing an installer, ask others for recommendations, screen potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to find the best company for your requirements. You can choose a local solar company in San Francisco or pick an established national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
While putting in solar panels requires a large initial investment, it can decrease your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that changing to solar energy allows San Francisco homeowners to save an average of $1,000 every year.
Solar companies do not all provide the same services and products. You should compare different companies and ask for quotes before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in San Francisco
When looking into San Francisco solar companies, look for those with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, as well as a good reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Look at reviews to understand other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for mutiple bad reviews.
SunPower
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SolarUnion
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
CivicSolar, Inc
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Save a Lot Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
GRID Alternatives
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
- Reliable customer support
Pac Solar Corporation
Services offered
Highlights
- Free quotes
- Informative resources
Semper Solaris
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Owens Electric & Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Got Watts?
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Earthwise Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Complete Solar
High Definition Solar
Solar Bill Review
solarXperts
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in San Francisco?
Regions with intermittent sunshine, including those with increased rain or clouds like San Francisco, can still benefit from solar energy. A few key motivations to go solar include these:
- Reduce environmental impact: Using solar panels reduces your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels that would otherwise be utilized to run your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation ranks among the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Switching to solar allows you to cut your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels replaces the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can charge electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the optimal way to ensure your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
Facts about San Francisco
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in San Francisco?
According to our survey carried out in October 2023, the typical national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of installing solar panels varies based on several factors, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof orientation, shading, system size and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you pick any accessories like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
According to numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA, solar panel installation in San Francisco has an average cost of $7,621.
How much can you save by going solar in San Francisco?
Installing solar panels requires considerable spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through major reductions in your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in San Francisco from going solar
In San Francisco, you can expect to save money once you've fully switched to solar. But it takes time to make back the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage influence how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to recover its initial cost. The payback period in San Francisco is approximately 7 years, according to our calculations, which are based on data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA.
- Annual solar savings in San Francisco: Based on calculations that leverage data from the Department of Energy, NASA and the EIA, San Francisco homeowners save around $1,012 per year with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from the EIA and NASA, by moving completely to solar, you can expect to see a total savings of around $19,303 after 25 years.
Energy savings in San Francisco from going solar
Transitioning to solar not only saves money but also decreases your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in San Francisco?
There are a number of solar incentives open to homeowners in San Francisco. Various programs extend to all California residents, while others are based on your municipality, city and utility company.
Per the DSIRE, here are the solar incentives available for California residents:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems and Solar Plus Storage System | 100% of system value; 75% of system value exemption for dual-use equipment |
PACE Financing Western Riverside Council of Governments - Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) Financing Program | Eligible products can be financed for up to 25 years, depending on the useful life of the eligible product. Minimum financing: $5,000 The financing may not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the market value of the property, up to the first seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) of the property’s market value, and ten percent (10%) of the remaining value of the Property above seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) minus any PACE assessment on the propertyThe total amount of any annual property taxes and assessments shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the property's fair market value, determined at the time program financing is approved. |
PACE Financing Local Option - Municipal Energy Districts | Locally determined
|
Rebate Program Self-Generation Incentive Program | For projects 30 kW or larger, 50% of incentive will be received up-front; 50% will be received based on actual kWh production over the first 5 years. For projects under 30kW, 100% of the incentive will be paid up front. Incentives will step down over time. See below for incentive amounts. |
Feed-in Tariff Renewable Market Adjusting Tariff (ReMAT) | See Website |
Feed-in Tariff LADWP - Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Program | $0.17/kWh adjusted by a time of delivery multiplier Base price will step down over time as certain MW goals are met |
Rebate Program California Solar Initiative - Solar Thermal Program | Step 1 Incentive Rates (contact utility to determine current incentive levels): Single Family Residential Incentives: Systems that displace natural gas: $29.85 per estimated therm displaced Systems that displace electricity or propane: Funding has been exhausted Commercial/Multifamily Incentives: Systems that displace natural gas: $20.19 per estimated therm displaced Systems that displace electricity or propane: $0.42 per estimated kWh displaced *** Note, funding has been exhausted in this category for SCE and PG&E Solar Pool heating: $5.00 per estimated therm displaced |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a San Francisco solar installer?
Consider these questions before hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
Your solar panel system's size is influenced by your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Larger homes use more electricity and will potentially require bigger solar setups. An undersized system might not manage to fully energize your house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state laws could influence your solar project. Be sure to obtain necessary permits through your local building department and plan an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Tree coverage, precipitation and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require more panels with more wattage capacity.
Do you need a solar battery?
A number of solar panel systems include a solar battery. Solar batteries store extra energy, which can be crucial for avoiding outages during a lack of sunlight. Opting for battery storage could increase the cost of installation.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each differing in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These factors not only influence the price, but also the speed at which you’ll need to replace panels and how much space the panels take up on your roof.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
More on this topic...
Our guide explores the best solar companies available. Trinity and Elevation top our list for their services, and Sunrun rounds it out with its leasing options.
solarMay 16
While you can save money installing DIY solar panels, it’s not a simple home improvement project and does require electrical know-how as well as roofing skills.
solarMay 15
Sleek and innovative, solar shingles are gaining rapid popularity. They cost more than traditional solar panels but are also more aesthetically pleasing.
solarApr. 16
Solar panels last about 25 years, according to our expert. Our guide explains how to get the most out of your system’s life.
solarMar. 27