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Solar in San Diego County, CA

Solar panels in San Diego, CA

5.7 peak sun hours per day. See what the data says about San Diego, then check your specific roof free.

Utility territory: SDG&E

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Solar data for San Diego

Peak sun hours / day
5.7 hrs

Modeled annual average.

Typical system size
5–9 kW

Residential, based on typical CA household load.

Estimated first-year savings
$950–$1,400

6 kW DC, 0.85 derate, 70% self-consumption, $0.33/kWh avg rate. Estimate only.

Roofs suitable for solar
65–80%

Modeled from regional adoption data.

Primary utility
SDG&E

Contact your utility for current NEM/NBT enrollment status.

Net metering
NEM 3.0 (Net Billing)

Under California's Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0, April 2023), exported power earns avoided-cost rates (~$0.02–0.08/kWh); self-consumed solar saves at full retail rate, so battery storage maximizes value.

Estimates based on the average California residential electricity rate of $0.33/kWh (EIA, retrieved Aug 2026) and modeled solar production; your rate and usage will vary.

Frequently asked questions

How much sun does San Diego get for solar?

San Diego receives approximately 5.7 peak sun hours per day on average, based on modeled regional data.

What is the estimated first-year savings from solar in San Diego?

For a typical 6 kW system in San Diego, first-year savings are estimated at roughly $950–$1,400. Estimates based on the average California residential electricity rate of $0.33/kWh (EIA, retrieved Aug 2026) and modeled solar production; your rate and usage will vary. These are educational estimates, not guarantees.

Why does San Diego have strong solar exposure?

San Diego's 5.7 average daily peak sun hours are above many California cities in this dataset. Roof orientation, usable area, and shade still determine the result for an individual property.

Data source: City figures are modeled estimates for general guidance — not a quote for any specific property.

Ready to check your roof in San Diego?

The city data above is a regional estimate. Enter your address to get a personalized result based on your actual roof.

Solar data for nearby California cities

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