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Solar & Battery Installation San Francisco Local Installers & Quotes

ℹ️ Get quick estimates for solar and battery sizing, costs, and savings in San Francisco using these simplified calculators. For more accurate, advanced calculations, use the full Photonik design platform.

Solar Design San Francisco


Energy Usage

How much energy your San Francisco home uses daily directly impacts the solar system size you'll need. Whilst typical San Francisco households consume 40 kWh daily, homes with good insulation and modern appliances often use far less energy.

Consider reducing your energy consumption first through better insulation and efficient appliances, as this can reduce the solar system size needed and improve your investment returns.

Typical energy usage per person per day in San Francisco:

Low (Efficient)
~8 kWh
Medium (average)
~12 kWh
High (intensive)
~18+ kWh

Note: Actual usage varies depending on property size, building efficiency, climate, and appliances.

5 kWh 100 kWh
$ /kWh
$ /kWh
%

lightbulb Note: These are simplified estimates. For detailed tariff inputs and advanced calculations, use the full Photonik app.


Solar System Sizing

To offset your average consumption, you'd need roughly 10.5kW of solar capacity. Systems sized between 15.8kW and 21.1kW perform best, accounting for natural fluctuations in solar production.

A 6.6 kW system in San Francisco generates approximately 27.8 kWh daily on average, with seasonal variation from 3.21 kWh/kW/day in December to 4.79 kWh/kW/day in August.

1 kW 20 kW

lightbulb We recommend 6.5 - 8.7kW, generating 50 - 100% more than you use.

A 6.6 kW system in San Francisco can generate approximately 0 kWh annually based on local sun conditions.

Solar & Energy Savings


Calculate Heat Pump & EV Savings

Electrify your home by replacing gas heating, petrol vehicles, and other fossil fuel appliances with electric alternatives powered by clean solar energy. This delivers significant additional financial savings and substantial carbon emission reductions. Our calculator helps you compare costs and model the financial impact of switching to electric appliances and vehicles.

How Solar Reduces Your Electricity Bills

The calculations below show how your electricity bills change with solar. Your Old Bill of - per month (- annually) is calculated from your total energy consumption multiplied by the grid electricity rate. Your New Bill of - per month (- annually) accounts for solar generation, the percentage you use directly (self-consumption), remaining grid consumption, and feed-in credits for excess energy exported to the grid. This results in monthly savings of - (- annually).

Battery Storage San Francisco


Solar Battery Sizing

With solar-only (no battery), a 6.6 kW system provides approximately 50% self-usage in San Francisco, depending on your consumption patterns, drawing 50% from the grid. Adding a 10 kWh battery increases energy independence to approximately 63% annually, reducing grid reliance to 37%.

For accurate battery savings and ROI calculations, use the full Photonik design tool.

0 kWh 30 kWh
lightbulb Tip

A 5kWh battery will make you about 0% self sufficient.

Energy Self Sufficiency Calculator*

*Note: This calculator provides simplified battery self-sufficiency estimates. For accurate per-hour simulations that account for solar generation patterns, consumption timing, battery charging/discharging cycles, and efficiency losses across all seasons, use the full Photonik design tool.

Panel Placement Tool San Francisco


This is a simple panel placement tool that lets you quickly estimate panel count for a single roof area. Try Photonik for advanced features:

  • Multiple panel groups
  • Custom roof angles
  • Panel orientation
  • Shade loss calculations
  • Panel selection (1000+ models)
  • Full integration with our design tool

Loading panel placement tool...

Solar & Battery System Cost San Francisco


Understanding Solar & Battery System Costs

Solar installation costs in San Francisco start at approximately $10,945 for a 6.6 kW system, with a 10 kWh battery bringing the total to around $15,481. Solar systems typically achieve payback in around 6.3 years, whilst adding battery storage extends the payback period but provides greater energy independence.

Pricing includes equipment, labour, and taxes. Use the sliders to adjust system size and battery capacity, observing how changes impact total cost and payback.

ITC Rebates San Francisco


The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a federal tax credit that allows you to deduct a percentage of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes. The ITC applies to both residential and commercial solar installations.

Currently, the ITC provides a 30% tax credit for solar systems installed through 2032. This credit applies to the total cost of the solar system, including equipment, installation, and related expenses. The credit can be claimed in the tax year the system is installed and becomes operational.

In addition to the federal ITC, many states and local utilities offer additional rebates and incentives. These can include state tax credits, cash rebates, performance-based incentives, and net metering programs that allow you to sell excess solar energy back to the grid.

Get Full Design & Proposal

Use our full design tool for detailed system design, panel placement, and professional proposals.

Find out more in San Francisco