Solar Rebates in San Francisco, California (2026)

San Francisco solar economics are slightly weaker than southern California due to the marine layer reducing average insolation to ~4.7 kWh/m²/day vs. LA's 5.6. However, PG&E rates are high ($0.40+/kWh peak), and San Francisco property values are extreme — making the property tax exclusion meaningful in absolute dollars. SF qualifies for the full California stack: federal 25D, SGIP battery rebates, TECH Clean California, NEM 3.0 successor. SF also has a unique CleanPowerSF community choice aggregation program that may affect net metering specifics. Homeowners typically install 6–8 kW systems given typical SF roof size constraints (smaller than southern CA homes). BayREN Home+ adds heat pump rebates (up to $5,000) for SF properties.

San Francisco solar programs available

Federal 25D (30%)
SGIP Battery Storage
PG&E EV2-A Rate Plan
TECH Clean California Heat Pump
BayREN Home+ ($1,000–$5,000)
CleanPowerSF (CCA — alternate generation)
SF DBI permit fee waiver for solar

Full program details, dollar amounts, and stacking math: California solar rebates.

San Francisco-specific FAQ

CleanPowerSF — does it affect solar? +

CleanPowerSF is a community choice aggregator that procures generation. PG&E remains the wires utility. Net metering and SGIP are PG&E programs — CleanPowerSF participation does not change solar eligibility.

SF roof size constraints? +

Most SF Victorians and Edwardians have roofs of 800–1,500 sq ft, supporting 5–8 kW systems. Battery storage essentially required for reasonable NEM 3.0 economics.

BayREN — is SF in service area? +

Yes. BayREN covers 9 Bay Area counties including SF. Home+ rebate stacks with TECH Clean California for heat pump installs.

Federal pathway

The federal 25D 25D Credit (30% of cost, no cap) applies to San Francisco solar installations regardless of city or state. See the 25D guide for filing instructions and forms.