San Francisco Solar Panels: 2022 Cost and Local Incentives

Steve Proehl/The Image Bank/Getty images

San Francisco Solar Panels

If you’re a San Francisco resident curious about the possibilities of going solar, you’re in the right place. Solar panels are rising in popularity among homeowners. They can help reduce your carbon footprint and gain energy independence. Read on to learn about solar panel costs in San Francisco, local solar incentives, and long-term solar savings.

Cost of solar panels in San Francisco

The cost of solar panels in San Francisco can vary by installer, system size, and panel type. The median price in the U.S. for a residential solar system is $3.82 per watt, according to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Tracking the Sun report. Meanwhile, California has a slightly higher median cost of $3.87 per watt for residential solar systems. 

How much do solar panels cost in San Francisco in 2022?

You can examine how much you might pay for solar panels in San Francisco using median estimates. Solar panel system sizes differ based on factors like roof size and condition, the amount of sunlight your home receives, and solar panel placement. At $3.87 per watt for California’s median, you would pay about $21,935 for the total system before any taxes, rebates, or other incentives.  

It’s important to consider the payback period for your solar array, which is how long it will take to recover your installation costs. California’s average monthly electricity bill is currently $153.12. Using these values, you can estimate an 8.3-year payback period. You could also potentially save up to $21,394 after 20 years with solar. This amount could be even higher, depending on how electricity prices shift over time.

Average solar panel cost by system size in San Francisco

The state of California’s median solar installation costs include: 

To determine how large of an array you need, check the average amount of energy you use each month. Electric bills list this information in kWh. To get the most accurate estimates, check how much energy you use each month in one year. You can also use SaveOnEnergy’s Energy Usage Calculator to estimate your home’s power consumption.

For example, let’s say you use an average of 900 kWh per month. The solar array would then have to produce that amount of electricity per month or exceed it to cover 100% of your consumption.

The 30% federal tax credit — the Residential Clean Energy Credit — can help, too. If you get a solar system at the state median price of $21,935, you could save $6,580 with the tax credit.

Get your free solar savings estimate

You can significantly lower your energy costs by investing in solar panels. Enter some basic information below and we’ll provide an instant, free estimate of solar cost and savings for your home.

Incentives for solar panels in San Francisco

San Francisco has several incentives to help homeowners afford solar. These programs help make solar more accessible for more people since solar panels come with a high upfront cost.       

These are just some of the available incentives in San Francisco. Check with your local utility, state, or city for any new incentives that may be in the works. 

Solar companies in San Francisco

SaveOnEnergy can help connect you with trusted local solar installers. Check out our solar panel installation resources to learn how the installation process works. You can reach us directly to talk to an expert about solar panel installation by filling out this form.   

Is going solar in San Francisco right for you?

Residents have a variety of solar payment and access options. Read on to learn how solar can help renters, homeowners, and whole communities.   

Solar for renters

For renters, installing solar is up to the landlord who owns the building. If your landlord is open to the idea of solar, you can discuss the benefits with them. You can also consider the options of leasing or Solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). A PPA is a contract that allows a solar developer to manage and install the system right on your property. In turn, you have access to the electricity the array creates.  

Solar for homeowners

Homeowners have more control over what happens to their property. Ultimately, buying your panels will save you the most money in the long run because you can increase your home’s resale value and save on energy costs. Additionally, when you purchase your panels up front, you can access incentives like the 30% federal tax credit, which lessen the overall cost.    

Community solar

If you don’t want to install solar panels on your roof, you can look into community solar programs. With community solar, residents subscribe to a large off-site solar system.  The electricity from that array then powers the subscribers’ homes. The subscription can be more affordable than the upfront costs of installing an individual array, so this is a popular option in certain areas. 

Community solar may also be the answer if installing an individual system doesn’t work for your home. For instance, you may have a heavily shaded or older roof that cannot support the added weight from the solar panels.