Cost of solar in San Francisco, CA
Electricity Consumption in San Francisco
Electricity Consumption by California residents averages 573 kWh per month. It ranks #2 in the nation for savings from installing solar panels on the home.
Find local city information
Solar power in San Francisco, California
PG&E provide net metering to their solar customers in San Francisco. Net metering values exported solar energy at the same value as energy from the grid. When more energy is exported than consumed you will not only wipe out your bill but credit will be carried over at the same rate to future months. Under the new NEM-2 rules customers must switch to time of use billing, left over credit at the end of the year is only valued at about 3-4 cents and is deposited into your account. These rule changes only reduce returns by about 10% and solar is still an excellent investment.
On top of net metering there is also a federal level 30% solar tax credit covering 30% of the cost of the system. With net metering and the 30% tax credit under threat San Francisco residents need to act now to receive the benefits of these incentives.
Even if you are not convinced about solar we recommend that at the very least you use the solar panel calculator to find out:
- How many solar panels you need to cover your power bill;
- How suitable your house is for solar;
- What incentives your house may be eligible for;
- The cost of solar panel installation in San Francisco and whether you are eligible for zero down solar deals; and
- Your likely payback period and return on investment from installing solar
Estimate your solar savings
The average cost of installing residential solar panels in San Francisco, California in 2018 is $3.63 per watt. The average system size in the US is 6 kilowatts, which means the average price of a solar system in San Francisco, CA is $18,150. (before claiming 30% tax credit and other rebates)
What does the cost of a real solar system look like?
Facts about installing a 4.34kW solar system in San Francisco, CA
This system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill is $128, however your situation may vary so try our solar calculator to get a result tailored to you.
$10,086
Net cost of system
Cash - after 30% solar tax credit
5 Years 10 Months
Average payback time
6,453
kWh
Annual power production
6¢
/kWh
levilized cost of solar energy
42¢
/kWh
If you don't get solar
The forecast average utility price over the next 25 years
Cash flow graph based on cash purchase of this 4.34kW system
Life-time savings on this system over the next 25 years
$53,788
(Prices shown after repayments of capital)
Solar companies in San Francisco, CA that provide pricing through the Solar-Estimate marketplace
115
Average total cost of solar panel installation in California
| System Size | Cash purchase After 30% solar tax credit |
Financed purchase After 30% solar tax credit |
|---|---|---|
| 3kw | $8,337 | $9,004 |
| 4kw | $10,808 | $11,673 |
| 5kw | $13,125 | $14,175 |
| 6kw | $15,246 | $16,466 |
| 7kw | $17,248 | $18,628 |
| 8kw | $19,096 | $20,624 |
| 9kw | $20,727 | $22,385 |
| 10kw | $22,260 | $24,041 |
Design your own solar panel system for your home
Going solar in California
Check out all of the ways energy providers of California can help you be more energy efficient and save money.
The following programs are available:
| Incentive Name | Eligibility | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | Federal | Personal Tax Credit |
| City of San Francisco - Solar Energy Incentive Program (rate changes with several factors but we have assumed $0.50 as this is a midpoint) | Local | Rebate Program |
Find your local rebates and incentives
Please keep in mind that the best source of up-to-date information on incentives are the solar installers who specialize in your area.