Solar energy in Anchorage, United States
Average irradiation 2.53 kWh/m²/day · ~739 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Anchorage (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0.28 | -8.3 | 7 |
| Feb | 0.90 | -6.5 | 22 |
| Mar | 2.41 | -5.6 | 59 |
| Apr | 4.03 | 0.4 | 98 |
| May | 4.95 | 6.5 | 120 |
| Jun | 5.32 | 11.1 | 129 |
| Jul | 4.76 | 13.5 | 116 |
| Aug | 3.77 | 12.7 | 92 |
| Sep | 2.39 | 8.3 | 58 |
| Oct | 1.08 | 2.0 | 26 |
| Nov | 0.38 | -5.3 | 9 |
| Dec | 0.14 | -7.0 | 3 |
Solar potential of Anchorage explained
Anchorage receives an average of 2.53 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 739 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. While winters are dark, modern panel prices mean solar can still be economical — self-consumption value matters more than raw sunshine here.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Anchorage?
With 2.53 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Anchorage produces roughly 739 kWh per year. That is a moderate solar resource; economics depend more on local electricity prices and incentives, which our AI planner can research for you.
How much electricity would a 5 kW system produce in Anchorage?
Approximately 4,000 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
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