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Solar in Santa Clara County, CA

Solar panels in San Jose, CA

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

Utility territory: PG&E

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Local context

What limits San Jose roofs

San Jose averages 5.3 peak sun hours per day in the regional data. Roof orientation, usable area, and shade can reduce production further for an individual property.

Solar data for San Jose

Peak sun hours / day
5.3 hrs

Modeled annual average.

Typical system size
5–8 kW

Residential, based on typical CA household load.

Estimated first-year savings
$840–$1,240

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

Roofs suitable for solar
60–72%

Modeled from regional adoption data.

Primary utility
PG&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 Jose get for solar?

San Jose receives approximately 5.3 peak sun hours per day on average, based on modeled regional data.

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

For a typical 6 kW system in San Jose, first-year savings are estimated at roughly $840–$1,240. 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.

What can limit solar production in San Jose?

San Jose averages 5.3 peak sun hours per day in the regional data. Roof orientation, usable area, and shade can reduce production further 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 Jose?

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

View all California cities