Solar energy in Bakersfield, United States
Average irradiation 5.58 kWh/m²/day · ~1629 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Bakersfield (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.66 | 8.4 | 65 |
| Feb | 3.81 | 8.9 | 93 |
| Mar | 5.24 | 11.3 | 127 |
| Apr | 6.63 | 13.6 | 161 |
| May | 7.77 | 18.1 | 189 |
| Jun | 8.51 | 23.1 | 207 |
| Jul | 8.12 | 26.9 | 198 |
| Aug | 7.50 | 26.1 | 182 |
| Sep | 6.28 | 23.6 | 153 |
| Oct | 4.67 | 17.7 | 113 |
| Nov | 3.26 | 12.1 | 79 |
| Dec | 2.48 | 7.9 | 60 |
Solar potential of Bakersfield explained
Bakersfield receives an average of 5.58 kilowatt-hours of solar energy per square metre per day, measured over four decades of satellite observation. In practical terms, every kilowatt-peak of installed PV capacity yields about 1629 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Bakersfield among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Bakersfield?
With 5.58 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Bakersfield produces roughly 1629 kWh per year. That is an excellent solar resource — payback periods are typically among the shortest worldwide.
How much electricity would a 5 kW system produce in Bakersfield?
Approximately 8,000 kWh per year — enough to cover a large share of a typical household's consumption.
What data is this based on?
Long-term satellite observations from NASA POWER (1981–present) and the PVGIS SARAH3 database, assuming a performance ratio of 80%.
Compare with nearby cities
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