Solar energy in Atlanta, United States
Average irradiation 4.51 kWh/m²/day · ~1317 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Atlanta (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.75 | 5.4 | 67 |
| Feb | 3.28 | 7.5 | 80 |
| Mar | 4.38 | 11.7 | 106 |
| Apr | 5.59 | 16.2 | 136 |
| May | 6.16 | 21.0 | 150 |
| Jun | 6.19 | 25.2 | 151 |
| Jul | 6.02 | 26.9 | 146 |
| Aug | 5.49 | 26.6 | 134 |
| Sep | 4.82 | 23.4 | 117 |
| Oct | 3.97 | 17.4 | 97 |
| Nov | 3.09 | 11.0 | 75 |
| Dec | 2.37 | 7.2 | 58 |
Solar potential of Atlanta explained
Atlanta receives an average of 4.51 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 1317 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Atlanta among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Atlanta?
With 4.51 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Atlanta produces roughly 1317 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 Atlanta?
Approximately 7,000 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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