A reference for California solar facts
These statistics use publicly available California Energy Commission data. They are intended as a practical reference for homeowners, property managers, writers, and local businesses looking for a clear view of California solar at the statewide level.
Solar figures can describe different things: electricity generated, installed capacity, utility-scale systems, or behind-the-meter systems such as rooftop solar. Each statistic below names its measure so it can be quoted in the right context.
Key California solar statistics
17,400+ MW
of behind-the-meter solar capacity was reported in California
The California Energy Commission reported more than 17,400 MW of behind-the-meter solar photovoltaic capacity in recent years. It estimates that this generation displaced about 10% of energy supplied by local utilities.
Source: California Energy Commission, 2024 Total System Electric Generation (2024 report)24,641 MW
of utility-scale solar capacity was operating at the end of 2025
California reported 23,749 MW of solar photovoltaic capacity and 892 MW of solar thermal capacity. Together, those two reported utility-scale categories total 24,641 MW.
Source: California Energy Commission, Electric Generation Capacity and Energy (2025 data)55,528 GWh
of utility-scale solar generation was reported for 2025
California reported 53,642 GWh from solar photovoltaic generation and 1,886 GWh from solar thermal generation in 2025. Together, those categories total 55,528 GWh.
Source: California Energy Commission, Electric Generation Capacity and Energy (2025 data)67%
of California retail electricity sales came from clean sources in 2024
The state reports that renewable resources supplied 45.2% of retail electricity sales in 2024. With large hydroelectric and nuclear power included, clean sources supplied 67%.
Source: California Energy Commission, Clean Energy Serving California (2024 data)52×
increase in reported California solar photovoltaic generation since 2012
California’s annual solar photovoltaic generation rose from 1,023 GWh in 2012 to 53,642 GWh in 2025. That is a roughly 52-fold increase based on the state’s reported annual totals.
Source: California Energy Commission, California Electrical Energy Generation (2012–2025 data)How to read these numbers
Generation measures electricity produced
Gigawatt-hours, or GWh, measure electricity generated over time. A generation figure is useful for understanding how much solar electricity was produced during a year.
Capacity measures potential output
Megawatts, or MW, describe installed generating capacity. Capacity is not the same as annual electricity production because solar output changes with sunlight, weather, season, and system operation.
System boundaries matter
California’s reported power mix can include in-state generation, imports, and estimated behind-the-meter solar. Comparing two figures only makes sense when they use the same boundary and year.
Methodology and sources
Last updated: November 3, 2026. We selected figures from California Energy Commission pages that identify the data year and measurement. When a total combines two categories, the calculation is stated in the statistic itself. Figures will be reviewed about monthly, or sooner when a core source publishes a material update.
- California Energy Commission, 2024 Total System Electric Generation, 2024 data
- California Energy Commission, 2024 Total System Electric Generation, 2024 report
- California Energy Commission, Electric Generation Capacity and Energy, 2025 data
- California Energy Commission, Electric Generation Capacity and Energy, 2025 data
- California Energy Commission, Clean Energy Serving California, 2024 data
- California Energy Commission, California Electrical Energy Generation, 2012–2025 data
Cite this page
Suggested citation: “California Solar Energy Statistics,” Mr Clean Solar Cleaning, updated November 3, 2026. Use the statistic’s heading link or this page URL when referencing a figure.
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