Solar Panel Cost Guide in South San Francisco, CA (Mar 2023)
- South San Francisco Solar Installation Cost: $5,867
- 25-Year Savings: $20,464
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South San Francisco
We break down average solar pricing in South San Francisco.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in South San Francisco, the average cost of solar panels 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.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in South San Francisco for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in South San Francisco
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,814 |
| 3 years | $-2,707 |
| 5 years | $-601 |
| 7 years | $1,506 |
| 9 years | $3,612 |
| 11 years | $5,719 |
| 13 years | $7,825 |
| 15 years | $9,932 |
| 17 years | $12,038 |
| 19 years | $14,145 |
| 21 years | $16,251 |
| 23 years | $18,358 |
| 25 years | $20,464 |
Top Solar Installers in South San Francisco
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and expertise. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in South San Francisco, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in South San Francisco
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South San Francisco
The cost of installing a solar system in South San Francisco can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,730. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like South San Francisco, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in South San Francisco have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in South San Francisco, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in South San Francisco are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in South San Francisco?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in South San Francisco?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in South San Francisco?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.