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Energy independence in San Jose, CA

With 5.82 peak sun hours daily, San Jose is in the top tier for solar production. But not every roof qualifies for maximum savings. Your area receives an average of 5.82 peak sun hours per day.

Solar Authority Score™
72 Good

Nearby Areas

Santa Clara 95054 Alviso 95002 Milpitas 95035 San Jose 95131 Sunnyvale 94089 Sunnyvale 94085
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Solar Coverage Map: San Jose, CA

6 nearby locations
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Estimated Annual Savings

$2,786 /yr
High ROI Expected
Investment Grade: A+

Verified Solar Potential

Production
8,099 kWh per year (Est.)

Payback Period

4.1 Years

Time until system pays for itself

25-Year Lifetime Savings

$58,316

Estimated net profit after system costs

Fed. Tax Credit (30%)

$4,860
Money back in pocket

Available Incentives & Rebates

Residents of San Jose may qualify for 6 active programs.

Federal Programs (Apply to Everyone)

Warning: 2026 Cliff
Inflation Reduction Act (Sec. 48E)
Benefit Value Pass-through Savings

If you lease your system (PPA), the solar company claims this credit and passes savings to you. Valid through 2032.

Warning: 2026 Cliff
Federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (ITC)
Benefit Value 30% (Expiring 2025)

30% Tax Credit for systems installed by Dec 31, 2025. CRITICAL: For 2026, this credit is set to expire for homeowner-owned systems unless extended. Leases (Third-Party) still qualify under Sec. 48E.

CA State Incentives

Variable Rate
Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0)

Exported energy is credited at avoided cost rates (variable). encourages battery storage.

Up to $3,000
DAC-SASH

Upfront incentives for low-income homeowners in disadvantaged communities.

~$200/kWh
SGIP Battery Rebate

Upfront rebate for installing energy storage systems (batteries).

100% Excluded
Property Tax Exclusion

Active solar energy systems are excluded from property tax assessment.

Efficiency

Code: 95134
EXCELLENT Score

5.82 Peak Sun Hours / day

Live Solar Forecast

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Production Efficiency --%

Fetching satellite data for San Jose...

Peak Sun Hours Comparison

Excellent
Bar chart comparing San Jose's 5.82 peak sun hours to the national average of 4.5 hours San Jose National Avg State Avg 5.82 hrs 4.50 hrs 6.06 hrs 0h 2h 4h 6h

San Jose receives 29% more peak sunlight than the U.S. average, indicating excellent solar production potential.

Solar Physics Simulator

Sun path trajectory for San Jose

-8.6° Max Elevation
Sun path diagram showing summer vs winter trajectory in San Jose East South West Summer (June) -8.6° Altitude Winter (Dec) -38.5° Altitude

In San Jose, the sun is 29.9° lower in the sky during winter.
💡 Tip: Panels positioned at a 33.7° tilt will capture maximum energy year-round.

Why Solar in San Jose?

Homeowners in San Jose are positioned to benefit from 5.82 peak sun hours of daily sunlight. This translates to approximately $2,786 in annual electricity savings. With rates climbing 8% annually, every month of delay costs you money. Pairing with battery storage maximizes self-consumption

True Cost Calculator

Average System Cost $16,199
🇺🇸 Federal Tax Credit (30%)
- $4,860
🏛️ CA Rebate
- $1,000
Your Net Cost
$10,339
Financial Showdown

If you had $25k... Stock Market vs. Solar

Comparing a 20-year investment in the S&P 500 versus purchasing a solar system in San Jose.

S&P 500 (Historical 7%) $60,981 Net Profit
Taxable
Solar Energy System $73,366 Tax-Free Gain
Winner 👑
Savings: $74,866 + Property Value: $16,000

Solar Outperforms by 20%

Unlike stock market gains which are taxed at ~15-20%, the money you save on electricity is 100% tax-free. Plus, solar increases your home's resale value immediately.

San Jose has a healthy solar market with ~8 active installers. Balance reputation and pricing in your decision.