Solar Panels in San Francisco, California
San Francisco receives 1595.3 kWh per kWp of solar panels per year — 4.7% above the US national average of 1,550 kWh/kWp. At California's electricity rate of 30.29¢/kWh, an 8 kW system saves roughly $3,866/year and pays back in 3.9 years.
Solar is exceptionally worth it in San Francisco. Note: The 30% federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. The numbers below reflect today's actual costs.
San Francisco Solar at a Glance
Last updated: April 11, 2026 · Sources: PVGIS v5.3, EIA
How Much Solar Power Does San Francisco Get Each Month?
Monthly solar yield (kWh per kWp installed) based on PVGIS satellite data for 37.77°N, 122.42°W.
Live Solar Forecast for San Francisco
Real-time generation estimate for an 8 kW system based on today's weather forecast. Data: forecast.solar.
Is a Home Battery Worth It in San Francisco?
A battery stores excess midday solar for use at peak evening hours. At 30.29¢/kWh in San Francisco, here is the math for the two most popular options.
10-year value: $11,940 · Based on 365 cycles/yr, 30.29¢/kWh, 80% usable capacity. Does not include backup value or utility TOU rate savings.
10-year value: $8,480 · Based on 350 cycles/yr, 30.29¢/kWh, 80% usable capacity. Does not include backup value or utility TOU rate savings.
Battery ROI improves significantly in states with Time-of-Use (TOU) rates where peak electricity can cost 2–3× the off-peak rate. California (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E), New York (ConEd), and Massachusetts (Eversource) have the strongest TOU incentives for battery storage.
What Are the 25-Year Solar Savings in San Francisco?
Based on 1595.3 kWh/kWp/yr yield, 30.29¢/kWh electricity rate, and a 2026 system cost of $2.80/W. Federal tax credit expired Dec 31, 2025 — not included.
What Solar Incentives Are Available in San Francisco, California?
The federal ITC expired in 2025. These state and utility incentives still apply in California.
Solar Panels in San Francisco: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar panels cost in San Francisco, California in 2026?
Is solar worth it in San Francisco without the federal tax credit?
How much electricity do solar panels produce in San Francisco?
What solar incentives are available in San Francisco, California?
How long is the solar payback period in San Francisco?
Environmental Impact & Home Value in San Francisco
An 8 kW solar system in San Francisco produces roughly 12,762.4 kWh/year. Here is what that means beyond your electricity bill.
How Many Solar Panels Do You Need in San Francisco?
The right system size depends on your annual electricity usage and how much of your bill you want to offset. In San Francisco, where annual solar yield is 1595.3 kWh per kWp, here is what different households typically need:
| Annual usage | System size | Panels (400 W) | Est. cost | Annual savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6,000 kWh Small home | 3.8 kW | 10 panels | $10,640 | $1,817/yr |
| 10,800 kWh Average home | 6.8 kW | 17 panels | $19,040 | $3,271/yr |
| 15,000 kWh Large home | 9.5 kW | 24 panels | $26,600 | $4,544/yr |
| 20,000 kWh Large + EV | 12.6 kW | 32 panels | $35,280 | $6,058/yr |
Costs based on $2.80/W installed (2026 US average). Panel count assumes 400 W modules. Savings based on current 30.29¢/kWh rate. State incentives not included — see above for California credits.
San FranciscoSolar Resources & 2026 Incentives
Key information for homeowners in San Francisco going solar in 2026 — after the federal 30% tax credit expired December 31, 2025.
The 30% Section 25D residential solar credit expired December 31, 2025. An 8 kW system in San Francisco costs $22,400 after any applicable state credits. The commercial Section 48 credit (for businesses, landlords) was not affected.
IRS Residential Clean Energy Credit →NEM 3.0 — export credits at avoided-cost rate (~5¢/kWh). Maximize self-consumption; add battery.
DSIRE — California Incentive Database →SGIP battery rebate (up to $1,000/kWh), NEM 3.0 net metering, local utility rebates
- PVGIS — EU JRC Solar Yield Data(yield figures on this page)
- EIA — California Electricity Profile(electricity rates)
- DSIRE — California Solar Incentives(incentives & rebates)
- Lawrence Berkeley Lab — Tracking the Sun(installed cost data)
- NREL — Solar Panel Degradation Study(lifespan & performance)