Solar Panel Output in California (CA)
California pioneered residential solar in the US and remains a top state for solar production. Southern California rivals Arizona for sun, while the Bay Area and north have more moderate but still excellent solar potential. NEM 3.0 changes make battery storage increasingly important.
Peak Sun Hours (Annual)
5.5
Summer Peak Hours
7
Winter Peak Hours
4
Optimal Tilt Angle
35°
Daily Solar Output in California
Expected daily production from common panel sizes in California conditions.
| Panel Size | Summer (Wh/day) | Winter (Wh/day) | Annual Avg (Wh/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100W Panel | 700 | 400 | 530 |
| 200W Panel | 1400 | 800 | 1060 |
| 400W Panel | 2800 | 1600 | 2120 |
* Based on 5.5 average peak sun hours and 85% system efficiency.
Seasonal Peak Sun Hours
Spring
6 hrs
Summer
7 hrs
Fall
5.5 hrs
Winter
4 hrs
Solar Production by City in California
| City | Peak Sun Hours | 100W Daily Output | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 5.8 hrs | 493Wh | Excellent solar, some coastal fog |
| San Diego | 5.7 hrs | 485Wh | Great year-round solar |
| San Francisco | 5 hrs | 425Wh | Fog reduces summer mornings |
| Sacramento | 5.5 hrs | 468Wh | Hot summers, good production |
| Palm Springs | 6.8 hrs | 578Wh | Desert conditions, top-tier solar |
California Climate Considerations
- •Southern CA has desert-like solar potential
- •Coastal fog reduces morning production in summer
- •Fire season smoke can temporarily reduce output 20-40%
- •Mild temperatures mean minimal heat losses
- ✓Off-grid cabins
- ✓Emergency backup
- ✓EV charging
- ✓High electricity rate offset
- !NEM 3.0 export rates
- !Coastal fog
- !Wildfire smoke
Solar Tips for California
- •NEM 3.0 reduces grid export value - batteries are now essential for ROI
- •Size for evening usage since export credits are minimal
- •Coastal installations should use corrosion-resistant hardware
- •Fire-prone areas may require rapid shutdown systems
- •Consider west-facing panels to capture afternoon sun for peak rates
Frequently Asked Questions: Solar in California
How much solar power can I generate in California?
California averages 5.5 peak sun hours, with SoCal reaching 6-7 hours. A 100W panel produces 500-700Wh daily depending on location and season.
Is solar still worth it in California after NEM 3.0?
Yes, but batteries are now essential. NEM 3.0 pays less for grid exports, so storing solar for evening use is more valuable than selling back.
Does wildfire smoke affect solar production?
Yes, heavy smoke can reduce output 20-40% temporarily. This typically affects a few weeks per year. Size your battery bank with some buffer for fire season.