Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in San Bruno, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sunrun is one of the nation's largest residential solar and battery storage companies, known for its strong brand and comprehensive service offerings. They are a leader in solar leasing and PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) options, making solar accessible with little to no upfront cost. Their strong partnerships with manufacturers and in-house monitoring provide a full-service experience.
A reputable regional provider with a significant presence in Northern California. They are known for high customer satisfaction and offer a wide array of services, including solar, battery storage, and roofing. Their military veteran-owned background is often highlighted in their company culture and customer service approach.
A highly-rated, locally-owned and operated solar installer based in the South Bay. They have built an exceptional reputation for quality craftsmanship, personalized system design, and customer service. They focus on both grid-tied and complex off-grid solutions, catering to homeowners looking for a premium, custom installation.
** The home solar market in San Bruno is robust and highly competitive, characteristic of the wider San Francisco Bay Area. The city's climate, with its significant sunny days despite the fog belt, combined with high electricity rates from PG&E, creates a strong financial incentive for homeowners to adopt solar. The market is served by a mix of national powerhouses (like Sunrun), strong regional players (like Semper Solaris), and premium local specialists (like Solar Harmonics). The average quality of installers is high, given California's strict licensing and permitting requirements. Competition is fierce, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a wide range of financing options, including loans, leases, and PPAs. Typical pricing for a residential system in San Bruno ranges from **$18,000 to $35,000+** before incentives, highly dependent on system size, panel quality, and the inclusion of battery storage (like the Tesla Powerwall). Homeowners are increasingly prioritizing battery storage for backup power and to maximize savings through load shifting. Most providers are exceptionally well-versed in local incentives, including the Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) and specific PG&E net metering programs (NEM 3.0), which now makes pairing with a battery even more financially advantageous.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with San Bruno regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in San Bruno, California.
For a typical 6kW system in San Bruno, the average gross cost is between $18,000 and $24,000 before incentives. Crucially, homeowners can combine the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) with California's Net Energy Metering (NEM 3.0) program and Peninsula Clean Energy's rebates or lower rates, significantly reducing the net cost. San Bruno's specific climate of coastal fog in the morning and sun in the afternoon means system sizing is key to maximizing these financial returns.
While morning fog can reduce early production, San Bruno's abundant afternoon sun provides excellent overall solar potential. Modern high-efficiency panels perform well in diffuse light, and the cooler coastal temperatures actually improve panel efficiency compared to hotter inland areas. A qualified local installer will design your array and tilt angles to maximize exposure to the midday and afternoon sun, ensuring strong annual production.
All installations require an electrical permit and building permit from the San Bruno Community Development Department, adhering to the California Electrical Code and local ordinances. Key local considerations include specific wind load requirements for our area and compliance with fire department setback rules for roof-accessed pathways. Your installer should manage this entire process, including final inspection and interconnection approval with PG&E.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience in San Mateo County, proper California CSLB licenses (C-46 Solar and C-10 Electrical), and strong knowledge of PG&E's interconnection process. Check reviews on platforms like Yelp and the California Solar & Storage Association (CALSSA) directory, and always get multiple detailed quotes that outline equipment, production estimates under NEM 3.0, and a clear timeline for local permitting.
While not essential, adding battery storage is highly advantageous under NEM 3.0. It allows you to store excess solar energy produced in the afternoon and use it during expensive evening peak hours (4-9 pm), dramatically increasing your bill savings and providing backup power during PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), which can affect our region. This makes a solar-plus-storage system a more resilient and cost-effective investment for San Bruno homeowners.