What To Look for in a Solar Company
According to data from the Solar Energy Industries Association, over 2,400 solar companies have licenses to operate in California, many of which serve Northern California. San Francisco residents have plenty of choices when it comes to finding a solar installation company. Here are a few things to consider to narrow available solar providers and find an installer that works for you.
Top 5 Solar Companies in San Francisco of 2023
The following are our picks for San Francisco’s best solar companies:
Compare San Francisco Solar Companies
The average cost of going solar in California is $2.51 per watt, which is lower than the national average of $2.85 per watt. At this pricing, a typical 6 kW system in San Francisco would cost around $15,060. The following table outlines the average pricing for our top solar installers in San Francisco.
*Pricing is based on responses to two surveys we conducted in 2023 of 2,000 total homeowners with 8 kilowatt (kW) solar systems as well as pricing information obtained directly from SunPower, Tesla, Palmetto and local providers. Your cost may vary.
**BBB ratings are accurate as of August 2023.
Our Recommendation
San Franciscans planning a switch to solar have plenty of solar installers to choose from, including the top providers in California. Homeowners looking for extensive industry experience may prefer SunPower or ADT Solar, while those interested in multiple payment options can go with Sunrun.Those homeowners who prefer a whole-home audit to improve energy efficiency may benefit from Elevation Solar.
Other reliable San Francisco Bay-area solar contractors include Tesla Solar (which also sells solar shingles), SolarGuru Energy and NorthStar Solar. Before finalizing any deals, we recommend requesting free quotes from multiple installers to compare price and services.
San Francisco Solar Incentives
One of the key reasons to go solar in San Francisco is the availability of solar incentives and rebates in the city. Below is an overview of the federal, state and local incentives you can take advantage of in the Golden City.
Federal Incentives
The federal solar tax credit is the most profitable solar incentive in San Francisco and most other places nationwide. Formally called the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the program allows homeowners to deduct 30% of their total solar system cost from their income tax burden for the year they install panels. Considering California’s average solar cost of $15,060, you can save around $4,518 by claiming the credit.
Statewide Incentives
California offers multiple solar incentives to its residents, including:
Check with your solar installer, local government or utility company to see if other rebates or incentives are available in your area.
