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Solar energy in San Francisco
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Solar Installers in San Francisco, CA

Despite its foggy reputation, San Francisco receives 259 sunny days per year with solid solar potential. Under NEM 3.0, pairing solar with battery storage is key to maximizing savings on PG&E's high rates.

Average System Cost
$28,665
6.5 kW system
Annual Savings
$1,950
Per year
Peak Sun Hours
5.2
Per day

Top Solar Companies Serving San Francisco

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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

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

SF has expedited solar permitting and offers additional local incentives. PG&E customers are under NEM 3.0 net billing — battery storage is strongly recommended to maximize self-consumption rather than exporting at low NEM 3.0 rates.

Utility Company

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)

Average Rate: $0.31/kWh

NEM 3.0 - Net Billing Tariff. Export rates vary by time of day with higher compensation during peak demand periods. New $24/month fixed charge starting March 2026 with lower per-kWh rates.

Solar panels on residential roof

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Francisco too foggy for solar?

No! While SF has fog, it still gets 5.2 peak sun hours daily, which is sufficient for solid solar production.

How much do solar panels cost in San Francisco?

A solar+battery system averages $28,650 for a 6.5kW solar system paired with a 10kWh battery. State and local incentives may help reduce costs.

Are there SF-specific solar incentives?

Yes, SF offers expedited permitting, local rebate programs, California property tax exemption, and the SGIP battery rebate may help offset battery storage costs.

San Francisco Solar News

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