Solar energy in Bilbao, Spain
Average irradiation 3.65 kWh/m²/day · ~1066 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Bilbao (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.38 | 10.0 | 34 |
| Feb | 2.23 | 9.8 | 54 |
| Mar | 3.45 | 11.3 | 84 |
| Apr | 4.57 | 12.8 | 111 |
| May | 5.44 | 15.1 | 132 |
| Jun | 5.85 | 18.2 | 142 |
| Jul | 5.83 | 20.3 | 142 |
| Aug | 5.18 | 21.1 | 126 |
| Sep | 4.20 | 19.7 | 102 |
| Oct | 2.71 | 17.2 | 66 |
| Nov | 1.63 | 13.1 | 40 |
| Dec | 1.27 | 10.8 | 31 |
Solar potential of Bilbao explained
Bilbao receives an average of 3.65 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 1066 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This is a solid mid-range solar resource: production is meaningful year-round, though winter output drops noticeably.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Bilbao?
With 3.65 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Bilbao produces roughly 1066 kWh per year. That is a good solar resource; with current panel prices most systems pay back well within their lifetime.
How much electricity would a 5 kW system produce in Bilbao?
Approximately 5,000 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%.
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