10 best solar companies in South San Francisco, California
Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of South San Francisco. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in South San Francisco, California requires you to find a solar installer with the right certification, skills and experience. We've created a list of the best solar companies in South San Francisco to help you find the right installer.
Prior to hiring an installer, ask others for recommendations, vet potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to determine the best company for you. You can pick a local South San Francisco solar company or select a reputable national brand.
- Extends 25-year system and labor warranties
- Installs electric vehicle chargers
- Offers strong leasing options
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
While solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long run. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), transitioning to solar energy allows South San Francisco homeowners to save $1,100 on average each year.
Solar companies do not all have the same services and products. You should look at different companies and get quotes before booking your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in South San Francisco
Focus on South San Francisco solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer feedback on Google Reviews and similar sites. Make sure the company has a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when choosing a solar company.
You should look at past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' thoughts about the company. Keep an eye out for frequent negative feedback as a potential warning sign.
SunPower
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SolarUnion
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CivicSolar, Inc
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Owens Electric & Solar
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Semper Solaris
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GRID Alternatives
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Complete Solar
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Save a Lot Solar
Services Offered
Solar Bill Review
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Pac Solar Corporation
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More Providers
Below are solar installation companies that provide decent coverage but fell short of top scores in our rating system. We recommend these only for specific coverage needs.
Got Watts?
Certified Solar, Heating & Air Conditioning
solarXperts
High Definition Solar
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in South San Francisco?
Homeowners in South San Francisco are well-positioned for solar energy since the area gets plenty of sunshine. The main reasons to consider solar panels include these:
- Save on energy bills: Switching to solar allows you to reduce your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels takes the place of the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar panels shrinks your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to run your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation ranks among the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy lets you charge electric cars at your house. Utilizing your own power is the best way to make sure your electric vehicle runs on renewable energy.
Facts about South San Francisco
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South San Francisco?
Based on the results of our survey performed in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by your labor costs, sunlight availability, area, system size, shading and roof orientation. Selecting extras such as batteries, animal guards or solar trackers will raise the overall cost.
According to statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA the mean cost to install solar panels in South San Francisco is $7,454.
How much can you save by going solar in South San Francisco?
Putting in solar panels means substantial spending upfront, but you can recoup those costs through significant reductions in your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in South San Francisco from going solar
Homeowners in South San Francisco who fully switch to solar energy can expect to save money. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and things such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The payback period refers to the time it takes a solar system to earn back its initial cost. According to our analysis of data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, the average payback period for solar installations in South San Francisco is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in South San Francisco: South San Francisco homeowners can expect to save about $1,053 per year on average by adopting solar power, according to our analysis of data from the Department of Energy, NASA and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Based on our data from NASA and the EIA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can anticipate saving around $20,467 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in South San Francisco from going solar
Transitioning to solar not only saves money but also lowers your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 48 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1200 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in South San Francisco?
Multiple solar incentives are available to South San Francisco homeowners. Various programs are available to all California residents, whereas others differ by city, municipality and utility company.
According to the DSIRE, here are the solar incentives available for California residents:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems and Solar Plus Storage System | 100% of system value; 75% of system value exemption for dual-use equipment |
PACE Financing Western Riverside Council of Governments - Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) Financing Program | Eligible products can be financed for up to 25 years, depending on the useful life of the eligible product. Minimum financing: $5,000 The financing may not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the market value of the property, up to the first seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) of the property’s market value, and ten percent (10%) of the remaining value of the Property above seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) minus any PACE assessment on the propertyThe total amount of any annual property taxes and assessments shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the property's fair market value, determined at the time program financing is approved. |
PACE Financing Local Option - Municipal Energy Districts | Locally determined
|
Rebate Program Self-Generation Incentive Program | For projects 30 kW or larger, 50% of incentive will be received up-front; 50% will be received based on actual kWh production over the first 5 years. For projects under 30kW, 100% of the incentive will be paid up front. Incentives will step down over time. See below for incentive amounts. |
Feed-in Tariff Renewable Market Adjusting Tariff (ReMAT) | See Website |
Feed-in Tariff LADWP - Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Program | $0.17/kWh adjusted by a time of delivery multiplier Base price will step down over time as certain MW goals are met |
Rebate Program California Solar Initiative - Solar Thermal Program | Step 1 Incentive Rates (contact utility to determine current incentive levels): Single Family Residential Incentives: Systems that displace natural gas: $29.85 per estimated therm displaced Systems that displace electricity or propane: Funding has been exhausted Commercial/Multifamily Incentives: Systems that displace natural gas: $20.19 per estimated therm displaced Systems that displace electricity or propane: $0.42 per estimated kWh displaced *** Note, funding has been exhausted in this category for SCE and PG&E Solar Pool heating: $5.00 per estimated therm displaced |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a South San Francisco solar installer?
Before choosing a professional solar panel installation company, evaluate these important questions.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you is based on how much energy your household utilizes, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Houses with higher energy demands often need larger solar panel systems. If the system isn't expansive enough, it may fail to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project may be subject to applicable codes and permits by your state. You'll need to acquire the required permits from your local building department, as well as schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same level of sunlight. Local tree coverage, rain and harsh weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks sufficient sunlight, you may need more panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Many solar panel systems feature a solar battery. Solar batteries save extra energy, which can be vital for avoiding outages in bad weather. Opting for battery storage could raise the cost of installation.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have choices among solar panel types, as they vary in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These elements can change the cost, how soon you'll need to swap panels and the amount of roof area you'll need.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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