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Solar Background
Live Data Analysis

Solar potential in San Francisco, CA

Exceptional solar conditions detected. San Francisco receives 5.66 hours of peak sunlight—well above national average. One factor determines if you can capitalize. Your area receives an average of 5.66 peak sun hours per day.

Solar Authority Score™
71 Good

Nearby Areas

San Francisco 94124 San Francisco 94107 San Francisco 94110 San Francisco 94158 San Francisco 94134 San Francisco 94103
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Solar Coverage Map: San Francisco, CA

6 nearby locations
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Projected Yearly Savings

$2,775 /yr
High ROI Expected
Investment Grade: A+

Verified Solar Potential

Production
8,067 kWh per year (Est.)

Payback Period

4.1 Years

Time until system pays for itself

25-Year Lifetime Savings

$58,081

Estimated net profit after system costs

Fed. Tax Credit (30%)

$4,840
Money back in pocket

Available Incentives & Rebates

Residents of San Francisco may qualify for 6 active programs.

Federal Programs (Apply to Everyone)

Warning: 2026 Cliff
Inflation Reduction Act (Sec. 48E)
Benefit Value Pass-through Savings

If you lease your system (PPA), the solar company claims this credit and passes savings to you. Valid through 2032.

Warning: 2026 Cliff
Federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (ITC)
Benefit Value 30% (Expiring 2025)

30% Tax Credit for systems installed by Dec 31, 2025. CRITICAL: For 2026, this credit is set to expire for homeowner-owned systems unless extended. Leases (Third-Party) still qualify under Sec. 48E.

CA State Incentives

Variable Rate
Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0)

Exported energy is credited at avoided cost rates (variable). encourages battery storage.

Up to $3,000
DAC-SASH

Upfront incentives for low-income homeowners in disadvantaged communities.

~$200/kWh
SGIP Battery Rebate

Upfront rebate for installing energy storage systems (batteries).

100% Excluded
Property Tax Exclusion

Active solar energy systems are excluded from property tax assessment.

Efficiency

Code: 94188
EXCELLENT Score

5.66 Peak Sun Hours / day

Live Solar Forecast

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Production Efficiency --%

Fetching satellite data for San Francisco...

Peak Sun Hours Comparison

Excellent
Bar chart comparing San Francisco's 5.66 peak sun hours to the national average of 4.5 hours San Francisco National Avg State Avg 5.66 hrs 4.50 hrs 6.06 hrs 0h 2h 4h 6h

San Francisco receives 26% more peak sunlight than the U.S. average, indicating excellent solar production potential.

Solar Physics Simulator

Sun path trajectory for San Francisco

-8.6° Max Elevation
Sun path diagram showing summer vs winter trajectory in San Francisco East South West Summer (June) -8.6° Altitude Winter (Dec) -38.8° Altitude

In San Francisco, the sun is 30.2° lower in the sky during winter.
💡 Tip: Panels positioned at a 34.0° tilt will capture maximum energy year-round.

Why Solar in San Francisco?

Homeowners in San Francisco are positioned to benefit from 5.66 peak sun hours of daily sunlight. This translates to approximately $2,775 in annual electricity savings. With rates climbing 8% annually, every month of delay costs you money. Protection against continued rate increases

True Cost Calculator

Average System Cost $16,134
🇺🇸 Federal Tax Credit (30%)
- $4,840
🏛️ CA Rebate
- $1,000
Your Net Cost
$10,293
Financial Showdown

If you had $25k... Stock Market vs. Solar

Comparing a 20-year investment in the S&P 500 versus purchasing a solar system in San Francisco.

S&P 500 (Historical 7%) $60,981 Net Profit
Taxable
Solar Energy System $73,064 Tax-Free Gain
Winner 👑
Savings: $74,564 + Property Value: $16,000

Solar Outperforms by 20%

Unlike stock market gains which are taxed at ~15-20%, the money you save on electricity is 100% tax-free. Plus, solar increases your home's resale value immediately.

A moderate installer base in San Francisco gives you options without overwhelming choice. Focus on companies with local track records.