Solar in the Bay Area

Rated 4.7/5 Based on 895 Reviews

Find the Best Solar Company for Your Home

Top Solar Companies in the Bay Area (2025)

Free Savings Analysis

25-Year Production Guaranteed

Rated 4.7/5 Based on 895 Reviews

Find the Best Solar Company for Your Home

Top Solar Companies in the Bay Area (2025)

Free Savings Analysis

25-Year Production Guaranteed

PV POTENTIAL OF THE AREA

The San Francisco Bay Area is a Solar Goldmine

The San Francisco Bay Area has strong solar potential, but varies by location due to microclimates. Coastal areas like San Francisco get more fog, while inland cities like San José see more sun—about 300 sunny days per year compared to San Francisco’s 260. Still, both cities offer excellent solar ROI, thanks to high electricity costs that make solar a smart financial choice.

PV Potential × System Size (kW) ÷ 12 months = Monthly kWh Production

This simple formula doesn’t account for shading, panel angle, or degradation—but our advanced quoting engine does. Get a free, ultra-accurate solar savings report tailored to your home.

Free Savings Analysis

San José

97% of buildings in San José are solar-ready, with 4.4 GW of potential.

San Francisco

84% of rooftops in San Francisco are solar-friendly, despite coastal fog.

U.S. Average

Only 75% of buildings are viable, making the Bay Area a leader in solar efficiency.

PV POTENTIAL OF THE AREA

The San Francisco Bay Area is a Solar Goldmine

The San Francisco Bay Area has strong solar potential, but varies by location due to microclimates. Coastal areas like San Francisco get more fog, while inland cities like San José see more sun—about 300 sunny days per year compared to San Francisco’s 260. Still, both cities offer excellent solar ROI, thanks to high electricity costs that make solar a smart financial choice.

PV Potential × System Size (kW) ÷ 12 months = Monthly kWh Production

This simple formula doesn’t account for shading, panel angle, or degradation—but our advanced quoting engine does. Get a free, ultra-accurate solar savings report tailored to your home.

Free Savings Analysis

San José

97% of buildings in San José are solar-ready, with 4.4 GW of potential.

San Francisco

84% of rooftops in San Francisco are solar-friendly, despite coastal fog.

U.S. Average

Only 75% of buildings are viable, making the Bay Area a leader in solar efficiency.

Our savings engine shows an average savings under NEM 2.0 was $109,444 over 25 years for the average homeowner. With NEM 3.0, when paired with a battery, savings are still strong at $102,014, with the reduction being reflected in the additional cost of the battery. Utility rate escalation held consistent between both savings analyses.

UTILITY INTERCONNECTION

Are Bay Area Utility Companies Solar-Friendly?

PG&E serves most of the San Francisco Bay Area, and recent changes to Net Energy Metering (NEM) have reshaped how homeowners save with solar. Under NEM 3.0, new PG&E solar customers receive much lower credits for excess energy sent to the grid, leading to an 80% drop in new solar applications after the policy took effect.

But solar is far from dead. More homeowners are pairing solar with battery storage, allowing them to store and use their own power when rates are highest—maximizing savings under the new system. PG&E still supports solar with streamlined interconnection, but the focus has shifted toward using stored energy at peak times rather than selling it back at lower rates.

UTILITY INTERCONNECTION

Are Bay Area Utility Companies Solar-Friendly?

PG&E serves most of the San Francisco Bay Area, and recent changes to Net Energy Metering (NEM) have reshaped how homeowners save with solar. Under NEM 3.0, new PG&E solar customers receive much lower credits for excess energy sent to the grid, leading to an 80% drop in new solar applications after the policy took effect.

But solar is far from dead. More homeowners are pairing solar with battery storage, allowing them to store and use their own power when rates are highest—maximizing savings under the new system. PG&E still supports solar with streamlined interconnection, but the focus has shifted toward using stored energy at peak times rather than selling it back at lower rates.

Our savings engine shows an average savings under NEM 2.0 was $109,444 over 25 years for the average homeowner. With NEM 3.0, when paired with a battery, savings are still strong at $102,014, with the reduction being reflected in the additional cost of the battery. Utility rate escalation held consistent between both savings analyses.

Criteria for Determining the Best Solar Company

Choosing a solar provider is a big decision, potentially impacting you for years to come. The following is a guide for making your decision based on the most important attributes of a solar company.

Who is doing the selling?

Are you working with a reputable, venture-backed brand, or a 22-year old doorknocker? At Project Solar, there are no 1099 commissioned-based sales reps. Our W2 employees are rigorously trained and held accountable. We care about both our customers and our long-term reputation. If issues arise down the road, who is more likely to pick up the phone -- a random commissioned sales guy, or an established company?

What is the Price per Watt (PPW)?

Price per watt (PPW) determines the REAL cost of solar, by measuring the cost of each watt of solar capacity. It varies by state, labor costs, and system size -- larger systems typically have a lower PPW since fixed costs are spread out. A fair PPW ranges from $3.00/W (small systems) to $2.20/W (large systems), with tariffs and supply chain shifts impacting prices by ±$0.20/W.

Hidden Fees & Gimmicks

The best solar companies provide upfront pricing, clear contract terms, and detailed equipment specifications—without requiring you to sit through a sales pitch. If a company hides its pricing behind aggressive sales tactics, it’s a red flag. Transparency fosters trust and ensures you know exactly what you’re getting before you commit. At Project Solar, you can get a free and instant quote here, without having to talk to a sales representative.

Product offering (Hint: more than just solar panels)

While solar panels are important, inverters and battery storage are even more critical for system performance and reliability. Many solar companies push specific panel brands, but the real differentiator lies in the quality of inverters, energy storage solutions, and overall system design. At Project Solar, we offer top tier equipment, namely Solar Edge, Enphase, and Tesla. Be weary of off-name inverter and battery brands.

What is really covered in the warranty?

Not all solar warranties are created equal—some seem too good to be true and often are. Always read the fine print to ensure it truly covers equipment, installation, and performance. A solid warranty protects your investment for decades. Project Solar goes further with an industry-leading production warranty, guaranteeing your system’s 25-year output. If it underperforms, we compensate you. Learn more about SolarCare™ here.

Customer Service

Going solar is a 2-4 month process, and a company’s customer service can make or break your experience. Fast response times, clear communication, and reliable project updates are key. Pay attention to how a company handles inquiries, service issues, and post-installation support—especially if problems like roof leaks arise.

Criteria for Determining the Best Solar Company

Choosing a solar provider is a big decision, potentially impacting you for years to come. The following is a guide for making your decision based on the most important attributes of a solar company.

Who is doing the selling?

Are you working with a reputable, venture-backed brand, or a 22-year old doorknocker? At Project Solar, there are no 1099 commissioned-based sales reps. Our W2 employees are rigorously trained and held accountable. We care about both our customers and our long-term reputation. If issues arise down the road, who is more likely to pick up the phone -- a random commissioned sales guy, or an established company?

What is the Price per Watt (PPW)?

Price per watt (PPW) determines the REAL cost of solar, by measuring the cost of each watt of solar capacity. It varies by state, labor costs, and system size -- larger systems typically have a lower PPW since fixed costs are spread out. A fair PPW ranges from $3.00/W (small systems) to $2.20/W (large systems), with tariffs and supply chain shifts impacting prices by ±$0.20/W.

Hidden Fees & Gimmicks

The best solar companies provide upfront pricing, clear contract terms, and detailed equipment specifications—without requiring you to sit through a sales pitch. If a company hides its pricing behind aggressive sales tactics, it’s a red flag. Transparency fosters trust and ensures you know exactly what you’re getting before you commit. At Project Solar, you can get a free and instant quote here, without having to talk to a sales representative.

Product Offering
(Hint: More than just solar panels)

While solar panels are important, inverters and battery storage are even more critical for system performance and reliability. Many solar companies push specific panel brands, but the real differentiator lies in the quality of inverters, energy storage solutions, and overall system design. At Project Solar, we offer top tier equipment, namely Solar Edge, Enphase, and Tesla. Be weary of off-name inverter and battery brands.

What is really covered in the warranty?

Not all solar warranties are created equal—some seem too good to be true and often are. Always read the fine print to ensure it truly covers equipment, installation, and performance. A solid warranty protects your investment for decades. Project Solar goes further with an industry-leading production warranty, guaranteeing your system’s 25-year output. If it underperforms, we compensate you. Learn more about SolarCare™ here.

Customer Service

Going solar is a 2-4 month process, and a company’s customer service can make or break your experience. Fast response times, clear communication, and reliable project updates are key. Pay attention to how a company handles inquiries, service issues, and post-installation support—especially if problems like roof leaks arise.

SHAMELESS PLUG

The Best Solar Companies Servicing the Bay Area

We know from experience what it takes to be the best choice in solar in the Bay Area (or really anywhere in the U.S.).

Project Solar has the largest reach of any U.S. solar provider, with full-service installs in 36 states and DIY options in 47. We set out to disrupt shady sales tactics and make solar affordable, transparent, and hassle-free—no gimmicks, no inflated pricing. Just top-tier equipment, upfront pricing, and real savings.

Commission-Based Sales

Price per Watt (PPW)

Transparency

Warranty

Product Offering

Customer Service

Title

BAY AREA #1 PICK

Dimensions

No

Yes

Weight

$2.20 - $3.00

Undisclosed

Highlight

Full Transparency

Varies Dependent on Sales Rep

Gears

SolarCare™ 25-Year Production, Workmanship + Equipment

Workmanship & Equipment

Gears

Top-Tier Equipment

Broad

Comprehensive

Brakes

Extremely Responsive

Mixed Reviews

Free Savings Analysis

SHAMELESS PLUG

The Best Companies Servicing the Bay Area

We know from experience what it takes to be the best choice in solar in the Bay Area (or really anywhere in the U.S.).

Project Solar has the largest reach of any U.S. solar provider, with full-service installs in 36 states and DIY options in 47. We set out to disrupt shady sales tactics and make solar affordable, transparent, and hassle-free—no gimmicks, no inflated pricing. Just top-tier equipment, upfront pricing, and real savings.

Free Savings Analysis

Commission-Based Sales

Price per Watt (PPW)

Transparency

Warranty

Product Offering

Customer Service

BAY AREA #1 PICK

Commissioned Sales

No

Yes

Price per Watt

$2.20 - $3.00

Undisclosed

Transparency

Full Transparency

Varies Dependent on Sales Rep

Warranty

SolarCare™ 25-Year Production, Workmanship + Equipment

Workmanship & Equipment

Product Offering

Top-Tier Equipment

Broad

Customer Service

Extremely Responsive

Mixed Reviews

The Bay Area's Lowest-Priced Solar— No Compromises

Informed decisions lead to smarter solar investments. That's why Project Solar is the Bay Area's top choice for clarity, quality, and value.

Keypoints:

10,000+

Trusted by 10,000+ homeowners nationwide for reliable, cost-effective solar.

Best in Tech

Premium panels, inverters, and batteries—without the markup.

Transparency

Get an instant, no-hassle quote online—no commissioned sales reps, no surprises.

SolarCare™

Industry-leading 25-Year SolarCare™ warranty, with a production guarantee that goes beyond the installer warranty.

The Bay Area's Lowest-Priced Solar— No Compromises

Informed decisions lead to smarter solar investments. That's why Project Solar is the Bay Area's top choice for clarity, quality, and value.

10,000+

Trusted by 10,000+ homeowners nationwide for reliable, cost-effective solar.

Best in Tech

Premium panels, inverters, and batteries—without the markup.

Transparency

Get an instant, no-hassle quote online—no commissioned sales reps, no surprises.

SolarCare™

Industry-leading 25-Year SolarCare™ warranty, with a production guarantee that goes beyond the installer warranty.

Get your free quote and savings analysis—no pressure, just facts.

Claim My Free Solar Analysis

Get your free quote and savings analysis—no pressure, just facts.

Claim My Free Solar Analysis