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CA 37.34°N, 121.89°W

Optimal solar panel angle in San Jose, CA

For a fixed rooftop installation in San Jose, the weather-adjusted optimal angle is 35° tilt facing 210° SW. This generates approximately 2,191 kWh/m² per year. All numbers based on 2025 historical weather data.

Textbook (clear sky) Weather-adjusted
Tilt34°35°
Azimuth180° S210° SW
Annual generation2,191 kWh/m²
Mornings have 15% higher average cloud cover (48%) than afternoons (33%). This favors a westward (afternoon-facing) panel orientation. Based on 2025 meteodata, the optimal azimuth shifts to 210° (South-West) from the theoretical 180°. Optimal tilt adjusts from 34° (theoretical) to 35° based on 2025 weather patterns.

What this means

The textbook formula says to tilt your panels at 34° and face due south (180°). But San Jose's actual weather shifts the optimum to 35° tilt and 210° azimuth. The 30° 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 Jose city center. Your roof may be in a slightly different microclimate. Our calculator optimizes for your exact coordinates.

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