Solar energy in Austin, United States
Average irradiation 4.81 kWh/m²/day · ~1405 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Austin (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3.05 | 9.3 | 74 |
| Feb | 3.51 | 11.4 | 85 |
| Mar | 4.50 | 15.9 | 110 |
| Apr | 5.44 | 20.2 | 132 |
| May | 5.85 | 24.3 | 142 |
| Jun | 6.70 | 28.2 | 163 |
| Jul | 6.73 | 29.5 | 164 |
| Aug | 6.36 | 30.1 | 155 |
| Sep | 5.20 | 26.3 | 126 |
| Oct | 4.34 | 21.0 | 106 |
| Nov | 3.25 | 15.1 | 79 |
| Dec | 2.74 | 10.4 | 67 |
Solar potential of Austin explained
Austin receives an average of 4.81 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 1405 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Austin among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Austin?
With 4.81 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Austin produces roughly 1405 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 Austin?
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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