15 Best Solar Companies in San Francisco, CA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in San Francisco based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for San Francisco, CA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average San Francisco homeowner saves $2,580/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in San Francisco
When choosing between the best solar panel companies, San Francisco homeowners have more choices than ever before, which can be mind-boggling, but we're here to make adopting solar power less confusing. Because solar panels produce their own energy, they can greatly lower your electricity bill each month, if not completely eliminate it. In fact, you could be looking at about $31,000 of savings over 20 years.
In this article, we'll help you narrow down the top companies in your area. To see how much you would have to pay to put up a solar panel system on your roof, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the top solar companies in San Francisco by clicking the "get quote" button below.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in San Francisco
SunPower Corporation
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Clear Pricing Policy - Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Business installations - Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
High Definition Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Solar Works
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- End-to-end services
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
EES Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
SunPower Elite Dealer - Impact
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
SunPower by The Solar Quote
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
Solar Panel RoofNSave Alameda
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
Save a Lot Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
A1 Sun, Inc.
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
SolarUnion
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
- End-to-end services
- Integrated roofing
- Skilled repairs
- Energy storage solutions
All Bay Solar Construction
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
CivicSolar, Inc
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
GRID Alternatives
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
Sun Light & Power
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
Pegasus Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Professional reinstallation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in San Francisco
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in San Francisco based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in San Francisco
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for California solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in San Francisco
Even though solar panels can help save you a decent chunk of change on energy over time, it's important to take into consideration the upfront costs. Some main factors that influence how much it will cost to install a solar panel system on your home and how much money you could save over time are:
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 30% of your total installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $31,000 over 20 years with your solar panels, too.
- System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you choose can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
- Your current power bills: Solar panels can significantly reduce, or completely eradicate, your utility bills. In San Francisco, you can save an average of $84 a month.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: If your roof doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight, your solar panels won't be able to produce as much energy, which will leave you with lower savings on electric bills than a house with a roof that gets lots of sunlight.
Even though a solar panel system costs a decent chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, like the kind of solar panels you get and your local electricity rates.
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Solar Incentives in San Francisco
If you're thinking about making the switch to solar energy, several government incentives and subsidies can immensely bring down the installation costs and expedite the return on your investment. You can qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar panel system. You can also potentially use the ITC with other local rebates and benefits. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in San Francisco
Installing solar panels is a powerful way to do your part for a cleaner and more sustainable future. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in San Francisco, though. One thing to keep in mind is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend a lot of time in the car and have an electric vehicle, you can use solar energy for your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions. Because solar panels don't release CO2 emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they're a good substitute for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 pounds each year. As you can see, trading traditional energy for solar has so many other benefits besides saving money. One of the primary ones is that you can help save the environment too.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's San Francisco, CA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar panel installer in San Francisco?
In San Francisco, SolarUnion is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.06 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your home.
Are solar panels actually eco-friendly?
Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the construction. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 5.9 years, but the exact period varies by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
When should I install solar panels?
You can put up solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing it in the winter when the demand is less. With fewer homeowners switching to solar, you could potentially see faster installation times and more savings.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.