Solar Panel Cost Calculator San Francisco, CA
See what a solar system costs installed in San Francisco, sized from your power bill. Free, instant, no sign-up.
Updated · installer rankings recalculated
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| System | Installed cost |
|---|
Clearway Community Solar
3.6 · 101 reviews · Free quote
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Sunrun Solar
2.8 · 100 reviews · Free quote
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SolarUnion
4.8 · 56 reviews · Free quote
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An estimate, not a quote. Based on $2.14–$2.90 per watt installed in California and 1,677 kWh per kW a year in California. Installers confirm the final price after a roof check.
Top-rated solar panel companies in San Francisco
Ranked by TrustAnalytica from verified reviews · see the full Top 10 list →
Clearway Community Solar
Clearway Community Solar offers a roofless solar energy program that provides local renewable power without installing panels on your property. The service credits your electricity bill with solar savings, though some customers report difficulties with contract cancellations and billing clarity. The team focuses on making solar energy accessible without the usual installation hassles.
Sunrun Solar
Sunrun offers solar panel installations with options to purchase or lease, including their Brightbox battery system for backup power. Customers appreciate the product selection tools and occasional upgrades but frequently report delays, communication issues, and challenges with customer service throughout the installation process.
SolarUnion
Known for handling the full solar process from design to operation, SolarUnion offers marketing, financing, and installation services across California. Customers appreciate clear communication and careful installations, though some have noted occasional permit delays and mixed experiences with sales responsiveness. The team aims to simplify solar for homeowners.
SimpleFlow
SimpleFlow specializes in solar home conversions, using a distinctive three-color on-black panel design for a sleek appearance. Their team handles everything from system selection to verifying workmanship and warranties. Customers appreciate their expert guidance and clean installations, though some advise careful review of contracts before signing.
All Bay Solar Construction
All Bay Solar Construction offers a comprehensive approach to residential and commercial solar installations, including energy storage and reroofing. Their team handles everything from permitting to installation across the Bay Area, with customers often noting clear communication and professional crews, though some mention occasional delays and follow-up challenges.
Luminalt Solar
Known for its expertise in rooftop solar design on San Francisco’s most challenging buildings, Luminalt Solar has been locally operated since 2004. The team installs solar panels and energy storage systems for nonprofits and small businesses, with customers appreciating their friendly service and clear communication, though some note occasional project management issues.
Latest reviews of San Francisco Solar Panel Companies
Written on TrustAnalytica by clients of the businesses in this list-
after spending my time with the sales manager and tacking notes on the technical and finical aspects of the agreement Received contract with 3 major discrepancies, Thousands of dollars more than agreed upon as base cost Additionally, a contingency refund for equipment removal & reinstall Size / Capa…
About SimpleFlow -
They failed to file for permits and were incredibly rude. We signed a contract for the installation of solar panels with SolarUnion in March/April 2023. In July 2024, we received an email with a unilateral cancellation of our contract. We had to contact them to determine what happened. Per their adm…
About SolarUnion -
Absolutely fraud that robs you of your hard earned money. Paying way more than I ever paid with Eversource that also sucks. They are a complete SCAM! Claim I am stuck for 8 months. How is this legal? LIARS, CHEATS, CON ARTISTS.
About Clearway Community Solar
| # | Business | Rating | Reviews | Starting price | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clearway Community Solar | 3.6 | 101 | $5 | (855) 712-7508 | Visit |
| 2 | Sunrun Solar | 2.8 | 100 | $50 | (833) 324-5886 | Visit |
| 3 | SolarUnion | 4.8 | 56 | $100 | (888) 815-6633 | Visit |
| 4 | SimpleFlow | 4.9 | 51 | $100 | (855) 375-7923 | Visit |
| 5 | All Bay Solar Construction | 4.4 | 13 | $100 | (415) 624-3535 | Visit |
| 6 | Luminalt Solar | 4.2 | 9 | $100 | (415) 641-4000 | Visit |
How this San Francisco solar cost calculator works
This calculator sizes a solar system from your electricity use. Your monthly bill, divided by the average California electricity price, gives your yearly use; California's sunshine (1,677 kWh per kW of panels a year) then gives the system size that covers it, adjusted for roof direction and shade. The installed price is that size multiplied by the price per watt homeowners in California pay installers. Payback compares that price with what the panels save at California power prices, assuming prices rise 3% a year.
California numbers this calculator uses
- Installed price
- $2.14–$2.90 per watt in California (typical $2.52), before rebates. A typical 6 kW home system costs $12,800–$17,400.
- Sunshine
- 1,677 kWh of electricity per kW of panels a year in California.
- Electricity price
- About 33.3¢ per kWh, the average residential price in California.
- Selling power back
- Power you send to the grid earns less than the price you pay for it (net billing or avoided-cost credits), so using your solar power at home is worth more.
- Rebates and tax credits
- California's net billing (NEM 3.0) pays only a few cents for exported power, so many installers pair panels with a battery. The 30% federal tax credit for buying solar ended for systems installed after December 31, 2025. Leases and power purchase agreements can still carry a federal credit through the installer for systems in service by the end of 2027.
An estimate, not a quote. Roof size and pitch, shading, equipment, permits and the installer all change the final price; installers confirm it after a site visit. Sources: EnergySage state installed-cost data (2026), NREL PVWatts, U.S. Energy Information Administration residential prices (2026), state program pages.