Solar energy in San Diego, United States
Average irradiation 4.91 kWh/m²/day · ~1434 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in San Diego (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3.25 | 12.4 | 79 |
| Feb | 4.08 | 12.5 | 99 |
| Mar | 5.16 | 13.8 | 126 |
| Apr | 6.14 | 14.8 | 149 |
| May | 6.13 | 16.6 | 149 |
| Jun | 5.88 | 19.1 | 143 |
| Jul | 6.14 | 22.5 | 149 |
| Aug | 6.09 | 23.1 | 148 |
| Sep | 5.35 | 22.4 | 130 |
| Oct | 4.32 | 19.1 | 105 |
| Nov | 3.44 | 15.6 | 84 |
| Dec | 2.92 | 12.2 | 71 |
Solar potential of San Diego explained
San Diego receives an average of 4.91 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 1434 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places San Diego among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in San Diego?
With 4.91 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in San Diego produces roughly 1434 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 San Diego?
Approximately 7,000 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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