Solar ROI in San Francisco
San Francisco goes solar. With an impressive solar irradiance profile averaging5.4 peak hours per day, your property is essentially a dormant power plant waiting to be activated.
Why pay $0.32 per unit to the utility company when you can generate it yourself? Our data shows that efficiently designed systems in San Francisco can offset up to 100% of daytime usage, drastically reducing your dependence on the grid.
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Cumulative Net Savings (10 Years)
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Solar Potential Report
Prepared for property in San Francisco
April 5, 2026
Executive Summary
Input Parameters
| Current Monthly Bill | $150 |
| Electricity Rate | $0.32/kWh |
| Daily Peak Sun Hours | 5.4 hours |
| Location | San Francisco, USA |
| Govt. Subsidy Eligible | $3,241Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) |
Why Solar Works Here
San Francisco receives an average of 5.4 hours of sunlight per day. With current electricity rates at $0.32/kWh, switching to solar replaces a permanent rental cost (utility bill) with a temporary investment cost (solar system). After the 4.6-year payback period, your energy production is essentially free.
Generated by CostSmart Solar Calculator. Estimates are based on average irradiance data and standard installation costs.
Visit https://costsmart.app for live updates.
How Solar Panels Save You Money
How do Solar Panels Work? (TED-Ed)
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Local Solar Stats
- Daily Sun Hours5.4 hrs
- Grid Cost0.32/kWh
- Install Cost~3300/kW
Solar ROI FAQs for San Francisco
How accurate is the solar ROI calculator?
Our calculator uses official solar irradiance data and current electricity rates to provide estimates within ±10% accuracy. Actual savings may vary based on system efficiency, maintenance, and weather patterns.
What factors affect solar panel ROI?
Key factors include: local electricity rates, average daily sunlight hours, system installation cost, available subsidies, system efficiency, maintenance costs, and electricity consumption patterns.
How long does it take to recover solar investment?
In most Indian cities, the payback period ranges from 4-7 years depending on electricity rates and system size. After this, you essentially get free electricity for the remaining 20+ years of panel life.
Are government subsidies included in calculations?
Yes, our calculator factors in central government subsidies for residential solar installations up to 10 kW capacity. State-level subsidies vary and should be verified locally.