Solar Panel Cost Guide in South San Francisco, CA (2023 Update)
- South San Francisco Solar Installation Cost: $5,864
- 25-Year Savings: $20,467
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South San Francisco
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in South San Francisco.
The average cost of solar panels in South San Francisco is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $5,867 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in South San Francisco
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,776 |
| 3 years | $-5,601 |
| 5 years | $-5,425 |
| 7 years | $-5,250 |
| 9 years | $-5,074 |
| 11 years | $-4,899 |
| 13 years | $-4,723 |
| 15 years | $-4,548 |
| 17 years | $-4,372 |
| 19 years | $-4,196 |
| 21 years | $-4,021 |
| 23 years | $-3,845 |
| 25 years | $-3,670 |
Top Solar Installers in South San Francisco
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and expertise. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in South San Francisco
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South San Francisco
While the average cost of a solar system in South San Francisco is $5,867, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the South San Francisco average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in South San Francisco to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in South San Francisco is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $39,560 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $53,052 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,698 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $80,496 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $94,447 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $108,551 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $122,808 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $137,218 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 South San Francisco, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South San Francisco?
The average cost of solar panels in South San Francisco is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.