Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in South San Francisco, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, local Bay Area company known for personalized service and expertise in complex installations, including battery storage and energy efficiency upgrades. They emphasize quality equipment and a consultative approach.
A reputable regional provider with a strong presence throughout Northern California. They offer a comprehensive suite of services, including solar, battery storage, and roofing, and are known for their strong financing options and military discounts.
As one of the nation's largest residential solar companies, Sunrun offers significant buying power and a strong emphasis on solar leasing and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). They provide robust monitoring and maintenance services.
** The home solar market in South San Francisco is mature and highly competitive, driven by the region's high electricity costs, strong environmental consciousness, and abundant sunshine. The average quality of providers is high, with numerous well-established local and national companies operating in the area. Residents have a wide range of choices from bespoke local installers to large corporations offering various financing models. **Competition Level:** High. This benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. **Typical Pricing:** The gross cost for a typical residential solar panel system in this area ranges from **$15,000 to $30,000+** before incentives. The final price is highly dependent on system size, panel quality, and installation complexity. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which currently allows for a 30% tax credit, significantly reduces the net cost. **Key Market Drivers:** High PG&E rates are a primary motivator for homeowners. There is also growing demand for pairing solar with battery storage systems (like the Tesla Powerwall) for backup power, given concerns about Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and grid reliability. Most installations are grid-tied with net energy metering (NEM), though interest in off-grid and hybrid systems is rising.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with South San Francisco regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in South San Francisco, California.
For a typical 6kW system in South San Francisco, the gross cost before incentives is typically between $18,000 and $25,000. The most significant savings come from the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which directly reduces your federal tax liability. Additionally, you benefit from California's net metering policy (NEM 3.0) and the local climate, where the frequent coastal fog burns off to provide strong solar production, especially in the afternoon, maximizing your long-term savings on PG&E bills.
While South SF's morning marine layer reduces early-day production, modern high-efficiency panels are excellent at capturing diffuse light. The afternoons are typically sunny, and the cooler coastal temperatures actually improve panel efficiency, as they operate better in cooler weather than in extreme heat. Annually, South San Francisco receives ample sunlight for a highly productive system, and proper design (optimizing for southwest exposure) is key to capturing the peak sun hours.
Yes, all solar installations require a permit from the City of South San Francisco's Building Division. The process involves submitting plans for review to ensure compliance with the California Electrical Code and local building codes, including specific wind load requirements for our area. Reputable local installers will manage this entire permitting process for you, which is a key reason to choose an experienced provider familiar with the city's specific requirements.
Prioritize providers with a strong local track record, proper California CSLB licensing (C-10 or C-46), and familiarity with South City's permit process and PG&E interconnection. Ask for references from nearby installations and ensure they provide detailed production estimates specific to our microclimate. It's also wise to choose a company that will be available for long-term service and can help you navigate the specifics of the NEM 3.0 agreement with PG&E.
While not strictly essential, pairing solar with battery storage is now highly advantageous under NEM 3.0. A battery, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar, allows you to store your afternoon solar energy and use it during the high-cost evening peak hours (4-9 pm) when PG&E rates are highest, rather than exporting it at a lower value. This significantly improves your bill savings and provides crucial backup power during PSPS (Public Safety Power Shutoff) events, which can affect our region.