Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in San Francisco, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sunrun is one of the nation's largest residential solar, battery storage, and energy services companies with a significant presence in San Francisco. They are known for their flexible financing options, including popular Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and leases, which lower the barrier to entry. Their strong manufacturer partnerships and in-house monitoring provide a comprehensive, hands-off solar solution for many homeowners.
A veteran-owned and operated company, Semper Solaris has built a strong reputation in Northern California for high-quality installations and exceptional customer service. They are a premier installer for top-tier equipment like Tesla Powerwall and SunPower panels. Their focus on a full-service approach, from energy efficiency assessments to repair, makes them a highly-rated local contender.
While headquartered in Novato, SolarCraft is a highly respected, family-owned solar installer that has been serving the entire North Bay and San Francisco for decades. They are known for their expert design consultation, high-quality craftsmanship, and long-term commitment to customer relationships. They excel in both grid-tied and complex off-grid solutions and offer robust maintenance programs.
** The home solar market in San Francisco is mature, highly competitive, and driven by some of the highest electricity rates in the country (from PG&E), strong state and local incentives, and a population with high environmental consciousness. The average quality of providers is very high, given the stringent state licensing and building codes. **Competition Level:** Intense. Homeowners are frequently solicited by both large national companies (like Sunrun) and a dense network of established local and regional installers (like Semper Solaris and SolarCraft). This competition benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is on the higher end nationally due to San Francisco's high cost of living, complex roofing, and stringent permit requirements. A typical 6 kW residential system can range from **$18,000 to $30,000+ before the 30% federal tax credit**. The final cost is highly dependent on system size, panel quality, roof complexity, and the inclusion of battery storage, which is becoming increasingly popular for backup power.
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 Francisco regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in San Francisco, California.
In San Francisco, a typical 6kW residential solar system costs between $18,000 and $25,000 before incentives. The most significant incentive is the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which directly reduces your federal tax liability. Additionally, you benefit from California's net energy metering (NEM) policy, which credits you for excess power sent to the grid, and you may qualify for local programs like the San Francisco Department of the Environment's GoSolarSF incentive, which offers additional rebates for income-qualified residents.
While San Francisco experiences its famous fog, especially in summer mornings, the city still receives ample sunlight for effective solar energy production. Modern high-efficiency panels perform well in diffuse light, and the cooler coastal temperatures actually improve panel efficiency compared to hotter inland areas. A professional installer will design your system to maximize sun exposure, often recommending a slightly larger array to account for the microclimate, ensuring you still achieve significant electricity bill savings.
Installing solar in San Francisco requires navigating specific local codes. You will need permits from the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI), and your system design must comply with the strict California Electrical Code and San Francisco's planning codes, which may include aesthetic considerations for historic districts. Crucially, due to seismic safety requirements, the structural review of your roof's ability to support the system is a mandatory and detailed part of the permitting process.
Start by selecting a provider licensed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) with a C-46 (Solar) or C-10 (Electrical) classification. Look for companies with extensive experience navigating San Francisco's unique permitting and interconnection process with PG&E. Read verified reviews on platforms like Yelp and EnergySage, and ask for local references to see completed projects in neighborhoods with similar architectural styles and microclimates to yours.
Yes, solar is an exceptionally strong financial investment in San Francisco primarily because PG&E has some of the highest electricity rates in the nation, which continue to rise. By generating your own power, you lock in a predictable energy cost for 25+ years, insulating yourself from future rate hikes. Under California's Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0), pairing your system with a home battery to store excess solar for use in the evening when PG&E rates are highest maximizes your financial return and provides backup power during Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS).