Quick Answer
San Francisco solar works despite the fog—4.5 peak sun hours (NREL data) is enough, especially when offsetting PG&E rates of $0.35-0.50+/kWh. Expect $3.00-3.80/watt and 6-9 year paybacks. Microclimate matters: Mission and Potrero are significantly sunnier than Sunset. Under NEM 3.0, pairing solar with battery storage is increasingly recommended.
Solar in San Francisco
San Francisco's reputation for fog leads many to assume solar won't work here. The reality? According to NREL data, SF averages 4.5 peak sun hours daily—enough to make solar worthwhile, especially given PG&E's extremely high electricity rates.
From my experience:I've had friends in SF tell me solar wouldn't work because of the fog—then I showed them their PG&E bills hitting $0.45+/kWh in summer tiers. At those rates, even a system that produces 20% less than one in Phoenix can pay off faster because you're offsetting electricity that costs twice as much. The real question isn't "does SF get enough sun?" It's "which microclimate are you in?" Mission vs. Sunset makes a huge difference.
SF Solar Reality
San Francisco averages 4.5 peak sun hours daily—less than inland California but still viable. With PG&E rates at $0.35-0.50+/kWh, even modest production delivers significant savings. (Source: NREL Solar Resource Data)
[Editor's Note, Jan 2026]:Local utility rates, incentive programs, and installer availability verified for current accuracy.
Does Fog Kill Solar?
The Truth About SF Fog
- Morning burns off: Most fog clears by late morning
- Microclimate variation: Sunnier in Mission, Potrero, Bayview
- Foggier areas: Sunset, Richmond, outer neighborhoods
- Still produces: Panels work in diffuse light, just less efficiently
SF Microclimate Map
| Neighborhood | Sun Level | Solar Viability |
|---|---|---|
| Mission, Potrero, Bayview | High | Excellent |
| Noe Valley, Glen Park | Medium-High | Very Good |
| SOMA, Downtown | Medium | Good |
| Sunset, Richmond | Lower | Still viable |
Sunny Neighborhoods
SF's sunbelt runs from the Mission through Potrero Hill to Bayview. These neighborhoods get 15-20% more sun than the foggy Sunset district. Know your microclimate before sizing your system. (Source: NOAA Climate Data)
SF Solar Costs
Average System Costs
| System Size | Solar Only | Solar + Battery |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $15,000-18,500 | $26,000-32,000 |
| 7 kW | $21,000-26,000 | $32,000-40,000 |
| 9 kW | $27,000-33,500 | $38,000-48,000 |
SF installation costs run slightly higher due to permit complexity and Victorian roofs.
PG&E NEM 3.0
NEM 3.0 in SF
- Export credits: Reduced (~$0.05-0.08/kWh)
- Self-consumption value: Full $0.35-0.50/kWh
- Battery essential: Maximize self-use, avoid low exports
- Peak hours: 4-9 PM most expensive
SF Considerations
San Francisco Specifics
- Historic homes: Many Victorians; may have restrictions
- Flat roofs: Common in newer buildings; work well
- Shared walls: Row houses may have shading issues
- Permitting: SF DBI can be slower than average
- Fire zones: Some hillside areas have requirements
Production Estimates
- Sunny neighborhoods: 1,350-1,500 kWh per kW/year
- Foggy neighborhoods: 1,150-1,300 kWh per kW/year
- 7 kW system (sunny): ~9,500-10,500 kWh/year
- 7 kW system (foggy): ~8,000-9,000 kWh/year
The Bottom Line
SF solar works despite the fog. High PG&E rates mean even modest production delivers real savings. Sunny neighborhoods like the Mission have excellent solar potential. Consider battery storage under NEM 3.0.
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