SolarData USA

California vs Arizona - Solar Energy Comparison

CA

California

Installations
1,921,220
Capacity
17,997 MW
Avg Cost
$4.46/W
System Size
9.4 kW
AZ

Arizona

Installations
293,541
Capacity
7,216 MW
Avg Cost
$4.47/W
System Size
24.6 kW

Detailed Comparison

MetricCaliforniaArizona
Total Installations1,921,220293,541
Total Capacity (MW)17,9977,216
Avg Cost ($/W)$4.46$4.47
Median Cost ($/W)$4.25$4.07
Avg System Size (kW)9.424.6
Residential %98%99%

California - Cost Trend ($/W)

California Cost per Watt

2000200220042006200820102012201420162018202020222024

Arizona - Cost Trend ($/W)

Arizona Cost per Watt

2000200320052007200920112013201520172019202120232024

Verdict: Which State Is Better for Solar?

Californiaedges ahead overall
  • California has more installations (1,921,220 vs 293,541)
  • California has lower average cost ($4.46/W vs $4.47/W)
  • California has more total capacity (17,997 MW vs 7,216 MW)

Note: The best state for solar depends on your specific situation, including roof orientation, local utility rates, and available financing.

View full California solar dataView full Arizona solar data

Source: LBNL Tracking the Sun / U.S. Department of Energy