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Best Solar Companies in San Francisco, CA

Soleeva, Sunrun and ShopSolar are our top picks

    • Top overall
      Soleeva
      4.4(56)
    • Solar leases
      Sunrun
      4.2(3,483)
    • DIY projects
      ShopSolar
      4.7(218)

    Best Solar Companies in San Francisco, CA

    Author picture
    By: Kathryn Parkman
    +2 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Cassidy McCants
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    Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

    Our top 3 solar company picks for San Francisco

    1. Best overall: Soleeva
    2. Solar leases: Sunrun
    3. DIY projects: ShopSolar

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.

    The best solar companies in San Francisco

    Solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies that are best equipped to meet most San Franciscans’ energy needs.

    Our top pick overall

    Soleeva

    Soleeva
    4.4
    56 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    30 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2010
    Read Reviews

    Soleeva stands out for having great reviews. We also like that its solar panels come with a special coating that makes them last longer against wear and tear, which is particularly helpful in the Bay Area.

    • “Soleeva installed the system quickly. The rates were good and so was the communication. They responded quickly.” — Jatinder in Oakland
    • “Soleeva has a nice app wherein people can see an individual solar panel, including the daily, monthly, and yearly data. Plus I can go to PG&E and I could see it on their website as well.” — Ryan in San Mateo

    “I had a problem with the installation a little bit because part of my house has a ranch-style roof and the installers pierced through that and they hammered it,” Shuba in Oakland said. “But they fixed it.”

    Soleeva was founded by a mechanical engineer and a manufacturing finance expert in the San Francisco Bay Area. The company specializes in residential, commercial and farming solar panel projects.

    • Services: Reps coordinate solar design, engineering and construction. The company also offers ongoing maintenance services.
    • Warranty information: Projects come with a 30-year solar panel warranty and a 25-year production warranty.
    • Payment options: Soleeva offers credit-based and non-credit-based financing options.
    Pros
    • Solid warranty warranty
    • Proprietary technology
    • Affordable financing
    • Lots of local experience
    Cons
    • Some installation delays
    • Some customer service complaints
    Our pick for solar leases

    Sunrun

    Sunrun
    4.2
    3,483 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    22%
    Panel warranty
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease
    Year founded
    2007
    Get Started Read Reviews

    Sunrun's leasing program lets you go solar without a huge upfront investment. There’s no initial charge for any panels or other equipment, installation or permits.

    • "Professional, reliable, and eco-friendly, Sunrun is the way to go for solar solutions. Superior service and competitive pricing. Sunrun exceeded my expectations in every way. Their expertise and customer service are unmatched.” — Carolyn in San Francisco

    Make sure you read the fine print carefully. Some customers have said they are not satisfied with the contract and terms.

    Sunrun specializes in residential solar systems with battery storage. Installers use monocrystalline panels from reputable manufacturers like LG.

    • Services: Sunrun designs and installs customized solar panel systems for homes and businesses. Technicians provide ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure optimal performance.
    • Warranty information: Sunrun provides a 10-year warranty on workmanship and equipment, roof leak protection and a 25-year performance guarantee.
    • Payment options: You can pay for your system upfront or take out a loan, but Sunrun leasing plans really set it apart. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it. Contracts typically last 25 years and include free repairs.
    Pros
    • Reliable systems
    • Flexible payment options
    • Comprehensive warranties
    • Daily system monitoring
    Cons
    • Occasional installation delays
    • Some customer service complaints
    • Occasional billing issues
    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service
    Our pick for DIY projects

    ShopSolar

    ShopSolar
    4.7
    218 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2018
    Read Reviews

    ShopSolar has a nice selection of equipment for DIY prjects, helpful reps and fast deliveries. You can find new and used solar panels, storage batteries, inverters and everything else for an off-grid or hybrid setup.

    • “ShopSolar had a sale going on, and I said, ‘Oh, okay. I'll give them a call.’ I talked with a fellow there, and he was extremely congenial. He answered all my questions about shipping and return issues that I might have, and I felt good doing business with them, so I did. … I didn't feel like they made their sale and they didn't care. That was nice.” — John in Foster City

    Some customers have told us about problems with damaged equipment. On the bright side, reps try to quickly resolve these issues with refunds or replacements.

    » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

    ShopSolar is an online retailer that stocks brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

    • Services: Reps can help you design a custom solar system based on your specific energy requirements. The company doesn't offer direct installation services, but online tutorials and video guides are available.
    • Warranty information: ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by individual manufacturers’ warranties.
    • Payment options: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International. It also partners with Affirm to offer financing options.
    Pros
    • Great for RVs and outbuildings
    • Price-match guarantee
    • 30-day return policy
    • Lifetime customer support
    Cons
    • Some shipping and delivery delays
    • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products

    How we chose the best solar companies in San Francisco

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the Mediterranean-type climate, to choose the best solar companies in San Francisco, California, based on the following key features and respective weightings:

    • Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
    • Warranty terms: 20%
    • Equipment selection: 20%
    • Financing and payment options: 20%

    » MORE: Full methodology

    Solar Companies in San Francisco Buyers Guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    In this guide

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Soleeva logo
    Sunrun logo
    ShopSolar logo
    See our top picks

    Simplify your search

    Switch to solar with a system built for you.

      ConsumerAffairs has heard from thousands of Californians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what San Francisco residents should look out for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with government incentives.

      NOTE: President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” signed in July of 2025, phases out the federal solar tax credit. You now only have until Dec. 31, 2025, to install a system and get the 30% solar tax credit.

      Key insights

      A typical residential solar panel installation costs $14,986 in San Francisco.

      Jump to insight

      Solar loans, leases and other programs make it easy to go solar with minimal upfront costs.

      Jump to insight

      Solar scammers in San Francisco may falsely claim to be affiliated with a San Francisco County or California government agency.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in San Francisco

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $8,005 to $22,871 in California. Prices in San Francisco are comparable, ranging from $8,894 to $25,411.

      This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing. It’s worth considering if California’s net metering rates continue to decline or if your area gets frequent blackouts.

      System size is the other major solar cost factor. The average San Francisco household needs a system with a capacity of 5.9 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on how much energy you and your family use, you might need a smaller or larger one.

      Average total solar installation costs by system size in San Francisco

      How can I pay for solar panels?

      Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment.

      • Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
      • Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.
      • Free solar panels: The Disadvantaged Communities Single-family Solar Homes (DAC-SASH) program, run by GRID Alternatives, offers no-cost rooftop solar installations for income-qualified homeowners in disadvantaged communities. Find out if you live in an eligible community using this map from the California Environmental Protection Agency.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease

      Is solar worth it in San Francisco?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in California if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, San Francisco homeowners with solar panels can avoid $108,915 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

      There are many reasons to go solar, according to Kerry in Oakland. “The PG&E rates are insanely high. They're one of the highest in the nation for electricity and now they've raised it for gas as well,” Kerry told us. “Since we’ve had the panels, our PG&E bill has been very low. It’s fantastic. We pay $10 a month in electricity and the rest is just gas.” Kerry also has an electric vehicle and is “very much for the environment.”

      The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 5.17 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      Potential roof problems

      As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels again. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      How to find a reputable solar company in San Francisco

      In our experience, the best solar companies in California have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.

      • Check certifications: California requires solar contractors hold a C-46 licensing classification, which you can check through the Contractors State License Board. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
      • Read reviews: Avoid companies with recurring complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication.
      • Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

      San Francisco solar FAQ

      How does the federal solar tax credit work?

      The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is a great incentive for most homeowners going solar. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels.

      Don’t get confused: The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income.

      For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $5,000 in taxes, the $3,000 credit reduces what you owe to $2,000. Any unused portion rolls over to the next tax year. However, it’s possible to get a refund check if the ITC credit reduces your taxes to the point where you overpaid during the year.

      Are there any other solar incentives in San Francisco?

      Residents can also take advantage of local and statewide solar incentives in California, including Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) rebates for homeowners who install battery storage systems with their solar panels.

      • GoSolarSF: The city operates the GoSolarSF program, which provides rebates to homeowners who install solar panels, with extra incentives for low-income households.
      • BayREN: The Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) offers energy efficiency rebates for homeowners who install solar systems alongside other home energy improvements. Homeowners can benefit from these rebates by upgrading insulation, windows and appliances, which reduces overall energy consumption and enhances the effectiveness of solar installations.
      How does net metering work in San Francisco?

      In California, net metering lets homeowners with solar panels send excess energy into the grid in exchange for credits on their utility bills. These credits help offset future energy costs, reducing overall electricity expenses and making solar energy more affordable.

      Under the state’s new NEM 3.0 policy, compensation for excess solar energy sold to the PG&E grid has been reduced, which affects the overall return on investment (ROI) for solar installations.

      Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?

      California’s Solar Rights Act prevents homeowners associations (HOAs) from restricting residential solar panel installations. HOAs can, however, impose minor restrictions as long as they don’t reduce the system’s efficiency.

      What are the different types of solar panels?

      Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common types of solar panels used in residential installations. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The key difference is in materials and efficiency: Monocrystalline panels use pure, single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from melted silicon fragments, resulting in different efficiency levels.

      Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. Standard efficiency rates range from 19% to 23%, which means 19% to 23% of the sunlight that hits the panels gets converted into electricity. The more efficient the solar panels you buy are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.

      Is my house a good candidate for solar?

      A relatively slanted roof with plenty of unshaded space is best. The worst place to install would be on north-facing roofs, especially if those roofs have a high pitch (very steep). Here are some other questions to ask yourself:

      • What is the condition of my roof? If you have to replace your roof, do that before you install solar panels. Solar panels are designed to last up to 30 years, so you want your roof to last just as long. Otherwise, it could cost thousands to remove the panels, fix your roof and reinstall the panels again.
      • How much sunlight do I get? San Francisco gets a good amount of sunlight. The state averages 5 to 7.5 peak sun hours every day. However, if you have a lot of shading around your house, whether from trees or tall buildings, the panels might not get enough sun to power your home.
      • How old are my appliances? Getting your electrical loads as small as possible before going solar means you’ll need a smaller system, which will be cheaper overall. If you have older electrical appliances, upgrade those before investing in solar panels.

      As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering. We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is another free solar savings estimator.

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in San Francisco

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in San Francisco, California. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified San Francisco customers were given preference.

      Warranties: 20%
      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Equipment selection: 20%
      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Financing and payment options: 20%
      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

      1. Soleeva
      2. Sunrun
      3. ShopSolar

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. California Solar & Storage Association, “Thinking About Going Solar?” Accessed Oct. 3, 2024.
        2. DSIRE, "California Programs." Accessed Oct. 3, 2024.
        3. EnergySage, "“The cost of solar panels in San Francisco, CA." Accessed Oct. 6, 2024.
        4. SolarReviews, "“How much do solar panels cost in San Francisco, 2024?." Accessed Oct. 6, 2024.
        5. EnergySage, “The cost of solar panels in California.” Accessed March 2, 2024.
        6. SolarReviews, “How much do solar panels cost in California, 2024?” Accessed March 2, 2024.
        7. Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), "California Solar." Accessed Oct. 3, 2024.
        8. Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice, “Solar Power for Your Home.” Accessed Sept. 19, 2024.

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