How much will solar panels produce in San Diego?

A 8 kWp system facing south at 35° tilt in San Diego produces about 15,029 kWh a year. In a weak year that is 12,584 kWh, in a good one 17,475 kWh — 1,879 kWh per kWp.

That’s about 143% of a typical home’s yearly use (10,500 kWh).

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Based on 2014–2023 satellite weather data

Production by month

05001,0001,5002,000JanJanuary: 8 kWp 1,111 kWh, range 900–1,323FebFebruary: 8 kWp 1,164 kWh, range 898–1,431MarMarch: 8 kWp 1,325 kWh, range 1,048–1,602AprApril: 8 kWp 1,369 kWh, range 1,138–1,600MayMay: 8 kWp 1,289 kWh, range 1,048–1,530JunJune: 8 kWp 1,305 kWh, range 1,092–1,519JulJuly: 8 kWp 1,317 kWh, range 1,100–1,534AugAugust: 8 kWp 1,383 kWh, range 1,155–1,612SepSeptember: 8 kWp 1,307 kWh, range 1,075–1,539OctOctober: 8 kWp 1,320 kWh, range 1,101–1,540NovNovember: 8 kWp 1,145 kWh, range 957–1,333DecDecember: 8 kWp 997 kWh, range 783–1,212

kWh per month

A typical day in August

The sunniest month in San Diego. Output peaks around 11:00 solar time, at about 5.8 kWh in the best hour.

0:006:0012:0018:0023:00 5.8 0

Month by month

Month Weak year, kWh Typical year, kWh Good year, kWh
January 900 1,111 1,323
February 898 1,164 1,431
March 1,048 1,325 1,602
April 1,138 1,369 1,600
May 1,048 1,289 1,530
June 1,092 1,305 1,519
July 1,100 1,317 1,534
August 1,155 1,383 1,612
September 1,075 1,307 1,539
October 1,101 1,320 1,540
November 957 1,145 1,333
December 783 997 1,212
Year 12,584 15,029 17,475

The months don’t add up exactly to the yearly figure, because each one is the typical value across many years.

Common questions

How much do solar panels produce in winter in San Diego?

From November to February the system produces about 4,417 kWh, which is 29% of the year. The weakest month (December) gives roughly 997 kWh.

Is an east-west roof worth it in San Diego?

An east-west system typically produces 10–25% less per kWp than one facing south, but spreads production more evenly through the day. The exact difference depends on tilt and shading.

Compare an east-west roof for San Diego

Ground mount or roof in San Diego?

A ground mount can be tilted and aimed freely, which can add some yield, but it costs more and needs space. Compare both for your own plot.

Check a ground-mounted system in San Diego

Your roof is not an average roof

Set your own tilt, direction, shading and inverter limit and get a range for your address.

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Climate data: Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS) — European Commission, Joint Research Centre