Solar Energy in the Bay Area
Bay Area homeowners served by PG&E pay an average of 41.5¢ per kWh, among the highest in the nation. With peak time-of-use rates reaching 55-67¢, a typical Bay Area household spends $3,500+ annually on electricity — but solar combined with a fixed-rate agreement can reduce that by 30-50%.
Service Area
Serving Bay Area homeowners on PG&E: San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Fremont, and surrounding communities.
Homeowners Only
Program available for owner-occupied homes. Renters should contact their landlord.
Next Step
Enter your address and current bill, then schedule your free 15-minute savings assessment.
Why Bay Area Homeowners Are Switching to Solar
- •PG&E rates are among the highest in America: The Bay Area pays significantly more per kWh than the national average, with continued increases locked in through 2028.
- •Growing fixed charges: PG&E added a $24/month fixed charge nationwide. Locking in a fixed solar payment shields you from future rate volatility.
- •Excellent solar production: Bay Area cities enjoy 5.2-5.8 peak sun hours daily on average, with clear weather patterns ideal for year-round solar generation.
- •No money down PPA: Qualify for a Power Purchase Agreement where you pay a fixed monthly rate for solar electricity. Most Bay Area homes save $100-200/month immediately.
Solar in Bay Area Cities
Pleasanton
$290/mo avg bill
PG&E service area
San Jose
$285/mo avg bill
PG&E service area
Livermore
$285/mo avg bill
PG&E service area
Mountain View
$275/mo avg bill
PG&E service area
Fremont
$270/mo avg bill
PG&E service area
Sunnyvale
$270/mo avg bill
PG&E service area
Walnut Creek
$265/mo avg bill
PG&E service area
Hayward
$260/mo avg bill
PG&E service area
Santa Rosa
$250/mo avg bill
PG&E service area
Oakland
$240/mo avg bill
PG&E service area
San Mateo
$240/mo avg bill
PG&E service area
Richmond
$230/mo avg bill
PG&E service area
Half Moon Bay
$230/mo avg bill
PG&E service area
Salinas
$225/mo avg bill
PG&E service area
San Francisco
$220/mo avg bill
PG&E service area
Watsonville
$220/mo avg bill
PG&E service area
Aptos
$215/mo avg bill
PG&E service area
Santa Cruz
$210/mo avg bill
PG&E service area
Seaside
$210/mo avg bill
PG&E service area
Marina
$205/mo avg bill
PG&E service area
Monterey
$200/mo avg bill
PG&E service area
Pacific Grove
$200/mo avg bill
PG&E service area
Ready to Cut Your Bay Area Electric Bill?
See if you qualify for a fixed-rate solar program. Takes 60 seconds, completely free.
Check My EligibilityPrimary trusted sources
Government, research, and standards bodies we routinely cite. We link out so readers can verify our claims at the source.
- California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)Public license records for every contractor in California. Used to verify C-46 solar license status, bond filings, disciplinary actions.
- CSLB License LookupDirect license search; confirms active status, bond, classification, and any disciplinary actions on file.
- California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)NEM 3 / Net Billing Tariff documents, IOU rate filings, solar interconnection rules.
- CPUC Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3)Authoritative source for NEM 3 / NBT compensation rules and updates.
- DSIRE — Database of State IncentivesComprehensive database of federal, state, and utility incentives for renewable energy. Maintained by NC Clean Energy Technology Center.
- IRS — Residential Clean Energy Credit (Form 5695)Authoritative IRS guidance on the 30% federal solar tax credit (residential clean energy credit).
- NREL — National Renewable Energy LaboratoryUS Department of Energy lab. Source of solar resource maps, panel efficiency data, and benchmark solar cost reports.