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CA 32.72°N, 117.16°W

Optimal solar panel angle in San Diego, CA

For a fixed rooftop installation in San Diego, the weather-adjusted optimal angle is 35° tilt facing 215° SW. This generates approximately 2,165 kWh/m² per year. All numbers based on 2025 historical weather data.

Textbook (clear sky) Weather-adjusted
Tilt31°35°
Azimuth180° S215° SW
Annual generation2,165 kWh/m²
Mornings have 18% higher average cloud cover (47%) than afternoons (28%). This favors a westward (afternoon-facing) panel orientation. Based on 2025 meteodata, the optimal azimuth shifts to 215° (South-West) from the theoretical 180°. Optimal tilt adjusts from 31° (theoretical) to 35° based on 2025 weather patterns.

What this means

The textbook formula says to tilt your panels at 31° and face due south (180°). But San Diego's actual weather shifts the optimum to 35° tilt and 215° azimuth. The 35° westward azimuth shift is caused by morning cloud patterns that clear by afternoon.

These numbers are for a fixed-angle installation optimized across all 12 months. If you adjust your panels seasonally, you can gain an additional 3-5%. Read more in our seasonal adjustment analysis.

Run it for your exact address

This data is for San Diego city center. Your roof may be in a slightly different microclimate. Our calculator optimizes for your exact coordinates.

Calculate Your Optimal Angle

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