Solar energy in Sacramento, United States
Average irradiation 5.22 kWh/m²/day · ~1524 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Sacramento (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.20 | 8.9 | 53 |
| Feb | 3.32 | 9.9 | 81 |
| Mar | 4.64 | 11.9 | 113 |
| Apr | 6.16 | 14.1 | 150 |
| May | 7.47 | 18.2 | 182 |
| Jun | 8.29 | 22.7 | 202 |
| Jul | 8.24 | 25.5 | 200 |
| Aug | 7.36 | 24.8 | 179 |
| Sep | 5.95 | 23.1 | 145 |
| Oct | 4.28 | 18.5 | 104 |
| Nov | 2.76 | 12.8 | 67 |
| Dec | 1.97 | 8.8 | 48 |
Solar potential of Sacramento explained
Sacramento receives an average of 5.22 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 1524 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Sacramento among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Sacramento?
With 5.22 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Sacramento produces roughly 1524 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 Sacramento?
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
New York (4) · Los Angeles (5.4) · Phoenix (5.9) · Houston (4.7) · Miami (5.1) · Denver (5) · all cities →