Solar Energy in San Antonio, Texas
Average Solar Resource
#15 nationally · #3 in Texas
Pop. 1,434,625
San Antonio, Texas receives 4.76 kWh/m²/day of solar irradiance and 5.2 peak sun hours daily, representing average solar resources . A typical 5 kW residential solar system in San Antonio produces approximately 7,607 kWh annually, potentially saving homeowners $951 per year on electricity bills. After the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit, a 5 kW system has an estimated payback period of 11.0 years, leaving roughly 14 years of profitable operation within a standard 25-year warranty. For maximum annual output in San Antonio, panels should be tilted at approximately 29° and oriented true south (180° azimuth).
Solar Resource Summary
GHI vs. US national average (4.5 kWh/m²/day)
Average
0
7.5 kWh/m²/day
Monthly Solar Data
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GHI (kWh/m²/d) | 2.97 | 3.58 | 4.36 | 5.39 | 6.02 | 6.59 | 6.56 | 6.24 | 5.23 | 4.2 | 3.23 | 2.73 | 4.76 |
| DNI (kWh/m²/d) | 4.04 | 4.11 | 4.1 | 4.44 | 4.56 | 5.45 | 5.62 | 5.69 | 5.08 | 4.63 | 4.03 | 3.89 | 4.64 |
Source: NREL. Monthly averages in kWh/m²/day and °C.
Solar Production Estimates for San Antonio
5 kW Residential
Typical home system
7,607 kWh/yr
634 kWh/month avg
≈ $951/year savings
10 kW Residential
Large home system
15,213 kWh/yr
1,268 kWh/month avg
≈ $1,902/year savings
50 kW Commercial
Small commercial
76,066 kWh/yr
6,339 kWh/month avg
100 kW Commercial
Medium commercial
152,132 kWh/yr
12,678 kWh/month avg
Production estimates based on NREL solar resource data, 29° tilt, south-facing orientation, and 80% performance ratio.
Local Solar Conditions in San Antonio
Solar production in San Antonio is relatively consistent year-round, ranging from 2.7 to 6.6 kWh/m²/day across the seasons.
- Best Tilt Angle
- 29° (latitude-optimized)
- Best Azimuth
- 180° (true south)
- Coordinates
- 29.4241°N, -98.4936°
Financial Overview — Solar in San Antonio
Solar is a sound investment in San Antonio. A 11.0-year payback period is in line with the national average. With electricity rates likely to increase over time, actual payback may be shorter. Estimated annual savings from a 5 kW system: $951/year.
- Avg. Electricity Rate
- $0.125/kWh (TX avg)
- Est. Annual Savings (5 kW)
- $951/year
- Est. Payback Period
- 11.0 years (after 30% ITC)
- Federal ITC
- 30% of system cost
- Net Metering
- Available
Financial estimates assume a 5 kW system at $3,000/W installed ($15,000 pre-ITC, $10,500 after 30% credit).
Actual costs vary by installer and equipment. Consult a local solar installer for firm quotes.
Solar FAQ — San Antonio, Texas
In San Antonio, Texas, a 5 kW residential solar system produces approximately 7,607 kWh of electricity per year. A 10 kW system produces about 15,213 kWh annually. These estimates use 4.8 kWh/m²/day average solar irradiance and an 80% system performance ratio, accounting for real-world losses from wiring, inverter efficiency, and temperature. Actual output will vary based on your specific roof orientation, shading, and equipment.
San Antonio receives an average Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 4.76 kWh/m²/day. This is 0.26 kWh/m²/day above the US national average of 4.5 kWh/m²/day, placing San Antonio near the national average. GHI measures total solar energy incident on a horizontal surface and is the primary indicator of a location's solar resource quality.
San Antonio, Texas receives an average of 5.2 peak sun hours per day. Peak sun hours represent the equivalent number of hours when solar irradiance equals 1,000 W/m² — the standard condition used to rate solar panel output. This means a 1 kW solar panel array in San Antonio produces 5.2 kWh on a typical day. Seasonal variation is significant: summer months see peak sun hours 40–60% higher than winter months in most US locations.
San Antonio is a average location for solar panels, with 4.76 kWh/m²/day solar irradiance — near the national average. It ranks #3 in Texas and #15 nationally for solar potential. With an estimated payback period of 11.0 years, solar installations in San Antonio can be financially attractive, especially given Texas's electricity rates.
The optimal tilt angle for solar panels in San Antonio is approximately 29°, which corresponds to the city's latitude. This angle maximizes annual energy production by ensuring panels receive the most direct sunlight averaged over the year. For maximum winter output, tilt panels at latitude + 15° (44°). For maximum summer output, use latitude − 15° (14°). Fixed south-facing panels at the latitude angle are the standard recommendation for residential systems in San Antonio.
A 5 kW solar system in San Antonio can save an estimated $951 per year on electricity bills, based on San Antonio's average electricity rate of $0.125/kWh. Over a 25-year system lifetime, that represents $23,775 in total savings before accounting for electricity rate increases. After the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit, the net system cost of approximately $10,500 for a 5 kW system yields a payback period of 11.0 years.
San Antonio ranks #3 in Texas for solar potential based on annual GHI. This means 2 cities have higher solar irradiance in the state. As a top-ranked solar location, San Antonio offers particularly strong economics for solar installations.Browse other Texas cities on our Texas solar data page to compare locations.
For a typical home in San Antonio using 1,000 kWh/month, a 5 kW solar system producing 634 kWh/month would offset approximately 63% of a typical household's electricity use. Most residential installations in similar climates range from 5 to 12 kW depending on energy consumption, roof size, and budget. Use SolarScope's Site Studio to get a personalized system size recommendation based on your specific address and energy bills.
Based on local solar irradiance and electricity rates, a 5 kW residential solar system in San Antonio has an estimated payback period of 11.0 years. This calculation assumes a net system cost of $10,500 (after the 30% federal ITC) and annual savings of $951. Modern solar panels carry 25-year performance warranties, so systems in San Antonio would operate profitably for roughly 14 years after payback. Electricity rate increases over time typically reduce the effective payback period.
Other Cities in Texas
Learn more:
Solar irradiance ·
Peak sun hours ·
GHI explained ·
Net metering ·
How solar analysis works
Get a Detailed Solar Analysis for San Antonio
This page shows area-level averages. For your specific address — accounting for roof orientation, shading trees, and your utility rate — use SolarScope's AI-powered Site Studio.
Open Site Studio Community Data for TexasQuick Stats
- Annual GHI
- 4.76 kWh/m²/day
- Peak Sun Hours
- 5.2 h/day
- 5kW Production
- 7,607 kWh/yr
- Payback (5kW)
- 11.0 years
- Rank in Texas
- #3