Solar Panel Angle in San Francisco

Solar Panel Recommendations for San Francisco

• Fixed mount: Set your panels at 36.0° tilt, facing South (180° azimuth).
• Seasonal adjustment: Tilt to 22.8° in summer and 52.8° in winter for up to 15% more annual energy.
• Monthly adjustment: Adjust tilt each month using the table above for maximum year-round production.

Solar Performance in San Francisco's Microclimates

San Francisco's solar resource is surprisingly strong despite its reputation for fog. The city averages over 5 peak sun hours daily thanks to afternoon clarity that compensates for morning fog. The famous Karl the Fog pattern — fog rolling in overnight and burning off by early afternoon — means panels produce most of their energy between noon and sunset. This afternoon-heavy production profile aligns well with PG&E's peak time-of-use rates.

San Francisco's microclimates create significant neighborhood-to-neighborhood variation in solar potential. The Sunset and Richmond districts near the ocean experience more fog and wind, while areas like Potrero Hill, Noe Valley, and Bernal Heights enjoy more sun exposure. A professional site assessment should account for local microclimate patterns, not just city-wide averages.

The city's dense urban environment means roof space is often constrained and shading from neighboring buildings is a common challenge. Many San Francisco homes have flat or low-slope roofs (common in Victorian and Edwardian buildings) that allow flexible panel orientation. PG&E's net metering program, combined with California's strong solar incentives, supports solar adoption even in the city's challenging urban context.

Orientation Performance

Panel orientation significantly affects energy production. The table below shows relative output compared to true south-facing panels:

Frequently Asked Questions

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