Solar energy in Adelaide, Australia
Average irradiation 5.15 kWh/m²/day · ~1504 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Adelaide (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7.89 | 22.6 | 192 |
| Feb | 6.97 | 21.9 | 170 |
| Mar | 5.70 | 19.8 | 139 |
| Apr | 4.13 | 16.8 | 100 |
| May | 2.88 | 13.3 | 70 |
| Jun | 2.39 | 10.5 | 58 |
| Jul | 2.59 | 9.8 | 63 |
| Aug | 3.46 | 10.4 | 84 |
| Sep | 4.71 | 12.6 | 115 |
| Oct | 6.10 | 15.2 | 148 |
| Nov | 7.20 | 18.4 | 175 |
| Dec | 7.73 | 20.4 | 188 |
Solar potential of Adelaide explained
Adelaide receives an average of 5.15 kilowatt-hours of solar energy per square metre per day, measured over four decades of satellite observation. In practical terms, every kilowatt-peak of installed PV capacity yields about 1504 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Adelaide among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Adelaide?
With 5.15 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Adelaide produces roughly 1504 kWh per year. That is an excellent solar resource — payback periods are typically among the shortest worldwide.
How much electricity would a 5 kW system produce in Adelaide?
Approximately 8,000 kWh per year — enough to cover a large share of a typical household's consumption.
What data is this based on?
Long-term satellite observations from NASA POWER (1981–present) and the PVGIS SARAH3 database, assuming a performance ratio of 80%.
Compare with nearby cities
Sydney (4.7) · Melbourne (4.2) · Perth (5.4) · Auckland (4) · Brisbane (5.4) · Gold Coast (5.3) · all cities →