Solar energy in San Jose, United States
Average irradiation 5.31 kWh/m²/day · ~1551 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in San Jose (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.42 | 8.3 | 59 |
| Feb | 3.46 | 9.2 | 84 |
| Mar | 4.79 | 10.7 | 116 |
| Apr | 6.22 | 11.9 | 151 |
| May | 7.47 | 14.5 | 182 |
| Jun | 8.33 | 17.6 | 203 |
| Jul | 8.20 | 19.6 | 199 |
| Aug | 7.36 | 19.8 | 179 |
| Sep | 6.01 | 19.4 | 146 |
| Oct | 4.40 | 16.3 | 107 |
| Nov | 2.93 | 11.7 | 71 |
| Dec | 2.17 | 8.4 | 53 |
Solar potential of San Jose explained
San Jose receives an average of 5.31 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 1551 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places San Jose among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in San Jose?
With 5.31 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in San Jose produces roughly 1551 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 Jose?
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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