Solar Power in Sunny Cities: Bakersfield, California

9 min readDec 17, 2023

Bakersfield, California, located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, is geographically situated to take considerable advantage of solar energy, with an average of 272 sunny days per year, drastically higher than the national average of 205. Its dry, Mediterranean-like climate, characterized by hot summers reaching average highs of about 98°F (37°C) and mild winters with average lows of around 39.4°F (4°C), make it an ideal candidate for solar power generation. Also, the geographical location of the city in the “smog belt” of California renders smooth transmission of solar radiation. Bakersfield’s potential for solar energy usage is not just backed by nature but by regulatory commitment too. In 2019, California implemented a law making it mandatory for all new residential buildings to have solar power installed from 2020 onward, hence, embedding solar into the construction industry. Furthermore tightened by its strict renewable portfolio standards (RPS), California is legally bound to generate half of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025, and 60% by 2030, escalating to a robust 100% by 2045.

The above climatic and regulatory elements, twinned with a decreasing cost of solar panels and increased storage capabilities, have catapulted Bakersfield to the forefront of the solar power revolution. The city has notably embraced solar power, with hundreds of homes and businesses transitioning to this more sustainable energy source. In consequence, Bakersfield dramatically emerged as a solar power leader within its region, exhibiting the potential for cities with similar geographic and climatic advantages to transform their energy infrastructure in a sustainable way.

Solar Landscape Bakersfield

Bakersfield, California, firmly etches its distinction in the country’s solar landscape due to its optimally conducive climate for harnessing the power of the sun. The city is graced with a commendable average of 272 sunny days per year, surpassing the national average of 205, thus providing an excellent basis for solar power generation. More so, the town lies in a high solar irradiance zone, with more than 5.5 kilowatt-hour (kWh) per square meter per day, empowering Bakersfield as a potential solar hotspot.

This amount of daily sunlight translates into significant savings for homeowners and businesses alike, with a photovoltaic system’s capacity to generate roughly 6.1–6.5 kWh per square meter, depending upon the tilt and orientation of the solar panels. Due to these high solar irradiance levels, a standard residential 5kW solar system could potentially generate, on average, 22–25 kWh per day in Bakersfield.

California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard aims for 60% of energy statewide to be derivable from renewable sources by 2030, further fueling the growth of solar systems in Bakersfield. In fact, recent data from California Solar Statistics puts Kern County, in which Bakersfield is located, as the second-highest county in the state for solar installations.

Due to the city’s sunny disposition and coupled with the California Solar Rights Act that restricts any HOA or local body from unreasonable limitations on solar power system installations, the residents of Bakersfield are empowered to not only combat rising energy costs but to also bolster a greener future and participate actively in the state’s renewable energy objectives. Bakersfield’s nigh-perfect solar conditions truly drives home the point, making sun power a viable and sustainable option in terms of renewable energy sources.

Solar Initiatives and Growth Bakersfield

Bakersfield, California, greatly benefits from its southernly and sunny positioning, harvesting on average over 250 days of annual sunshine. This creates a rich canvas to support the growth and transition to solar energy, a fact the state and local government bodies have so keenly acknowledged. From the outset, California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), aiming to achieve 60% of power from renewables by 2030, sets a robust framework for cities like Bakersfield to drive forward solar initiatives.

Under such pro-solar policies, Bakersfield has been host to several high-profile solar projects, all aiming to harness the city’s ample solar resources. One exemplary project is the mammoth Rosamond Solar Plant, located just outside of Bakersfield. With a staggering 250 MW capacity, it produces enough energy to power approximately 90,000 homes annually. Another significant installation includes the Elk Hills Solar Project, a 50MW plant that delivers clean energy to a local oil field. Additionally, the San Joaquin Valley, home to Bakersfield, is also developing an additional 250 MW solar plant project.

Bakersfield city and Kern County have also adopted solar-friendly initiatives on a local level. In Bakersfield, per ordinance 5.11.020, every new built residential structure is mandated to install solar photovoltaic systems, thus bolstering the adoption rate of solar within residential sectors. Meanwhile, Kern County’s Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program allows property owners to finance the upfront costs of energy improvement projects, including solar systems. These initiatives have successfully surged the installation and efficacy of solar projects within Bakersfield, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

Economic and Environmental Impact

Bakersfield, California, in recent years, has risen to the forefront when it comes to embracing renewable energy, notably solar energy. This transition not only has palpable economic impacts but also salient environmental footprints. Economically, solar energy has fundamentally reshaped the region’s fiscal landscape. According to data from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), California employed 74,255 people in the solar industry in 2020, with many in Bakersfield. Besides, solar projects are pumping millions of dollars into the local economy via property taxes and landowner lease revenues.

In terms of energy savings, the average residential solar panel system in Bakersfield can deliver significant savings over its lifetime due to the area’s abundant sunlight. Solar power is also encouraged by state law, like California’s Net Energy Metering (NEM) policy, that allows solar users to receive bill credits for the excess energy they send back to the grid. Cumulatively, these economic benefits create a formidable case for solar power as a core engine of Bakersfield’s future growth.

Environmentally, the impacts are just as pronounced. Solar power generation is intrinsically tied to cleaner air and reducing water usage–critical in a region like Bakersfield. Solar panels produce energy without emissions, decreasing airborne pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, enhancing air quality, reducing respiratory problems among residents, and improving public health. Furthermore, solar energy results in near-zero water use. Traditional fossil fuel-fired power plants, by contrast, require billions of gallons of water for cooling purposes. Hence, solar energy use in Bakersfield is contributing to a smarter, more sustainable water use strategy, crucial in a state regularly threatened by droughts. Thus, it’s evident that Bakersfield’s pivot towards solar energy yields multifaceted benefits, positioning it as a proactive player in the clean energy revolution.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite being considered as one of the sunniest cities in California, Bakersfield encounters several challenges in terms of expanding its solar power sector. One significant obstacle is the lack of a cohesive and progressive renewable energy policy at the local level. Unlike states like Nevada or Colorado which have introduced ambitious Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), Bakersfield still operates within the purview of California’s state-level regulation which, although groundbreaking in its roadmap towards net-zero emissions by 2045, may not necessarily address the localized needs of cities like Bakersfield.

In addition to policy constraints, infrastructure concerns also play a major role. Bakersfield’s power grid was established in a pre-renewable era, meaning the integration of renewable energy sources requires extensive retrofitting and modernization efforts. A lack of proper grid infrastructure can pose issues for fluctuations and consistency in power supply, particularly at peak usage times in late afternoon and evenings when solar production declines.

However, Bakersfield’s solar sector also possesses unlimited growth potential. One of the greatest opportunities lies in the city’s abundant insolation, with over 300 sunny days per year — higher than the national average. In terms of real estate, the city’s large-scale suburban development means there’s plenty of rooftop space available for solar installations. Hence, community solar projects can be a feasible option for Bakersfield, making solar accessible to people who cannot install private solar panels. Furthermore, the California Solar Mandate, requiring new residential constructions from 2020 to include solar systems, signals a growing trend that could spur growth in Bakersfield’s solar sector. With specific incentives and regulatory frameworks focused on Bakersfield’s inherent strengths, the prospects for solar energy expansion are immense.

Community Engagement and Education

In Bakersfield, California, community engagement in solar energy is climbing, backed by an array of programs created to educate and involve the public in the transition to cleaner, more sustainable power sources. Illinois, for example, recently passed the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), which specifically allocates funds to integrate low-income communities into the solar industry, a noteworthy example for California’s local lawmakers.

Bakersfield ranks high in solar viability due to its advantageous geographic position receiving over 272 days of sunshine per year. This not only allows for the efficient production of solar energy but also paves the way for public involvement in solar power generation, via Community Solar Programs. With the California Solar Initiative’s solar rebate program and federal tax credits, there’s never been a better time for residents in Bakersfield, and across California, to invest in solar power.

One program that shines in the state’s solar landscape is the California Solar Schools program. This unique initiative educates scholars about renewable energy through experiential learning. They learn firsthand how solar panels function and contribute to the conservation of the environment — knowledge they can take home to their families and neighbors.

There’s also Solarize Bakersfield, an education and group purchasing program for homeowners who want to go solar. By pooling their buying power, Bakersfield residents are given the opportunity to negotiate their rates with pre-screened solar manufacturers. The program also includes critical educational sessions on solar technology, financing, and the process of installing solar photovoltaic systems.

Overall, Bakersfield’s community solar education and engagement are being powered by a combination of state laws, regulations, climate conditions, and public interest, and reinforced by comprehensive community-oriented programs and initiatives.

Conclusion

Bakersfield, California is emblematic of the potential for solar energy in sun-laden cities across the globe. Having absorbed record levels of sunlight year-round, Bakersfield has capitalized on these environmental advantages and integrated a sustainable solar infrastructure into its energy grid. Bakersfield has the highest solar power potential in California, and possibly the United States, with an average of 272 sunny days per year, compared to the national average of 205 days.

This has translated into increased adoption of solar energy generation, with over 17% of households opting for solar power- a percentage that surpasses national averages. California’s aggressive Renewable Portfolio Standard, which requires 60% of the state’s energy to be derived from renewable sources by 2030, acts as a policy backbone, encouraging the shift towards renewable energy. And Bakersfield, with its abundant sunlight and supportive local government, is leading the charge.

Furthermore, the city sets an example in maximizing the use of the state’s net metering policy. Homeowners leverage this regulation, sending excess solar energy back to the grid for credit, thereby reducing their electricity bills. Also, a favorable property tax exclusion for solar energy systems adds to Bakersfield’s appeal in the eyes of potential solar adopters. The city of Bakersfield demonstrates a path that other sunny cities can follow, highlighting the potent combination of environmental conditions, legislature backing, and economic incentives.

Bakersfield’s journey serves as an encouragement for other solar-rich locations to unlock their solar potential. It demonstrates how cities can convert abundant sunlight into a sustainable energy source, proving that local policies and initiatives can greatly facilitate the adoption of solar energy. It is a concrete example of the efficacy of integrating renewable energy into existing infrastructures for cities plentiful in sunshine.