Solar energy in Boston, United States
Average irradiation 3.81 kWh/m²/day · ~1113 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Boston (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.84 | -3.5 | 45 |
| Feb | 2.66 | -2.6 | 65 |
| Mar | 3.69 | 1.3 | 90 |
| Apr | 4.72 | 7.4 | 115 |
| May | 5.30 | 13.4 | 129 |
| Jun | 5.72 | 18.6 | 139 |
| Jul | 5.96 | 22.4 | 145 |
| Aug | 5.31 | 22.1 | 129 |
| Sep | 4.27 | 18.2 | 104 |
| Oct | 2.79 | 11.5 | 68 |
| Nov | 1.97 | 5.3 | 48 |
| Dec | 1.49 | 0.0 | 36 |
Solar potential of Boston explained
Boston receives an average of 3.81 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 1113 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 Boston?
With 3.81 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Boston produces roughly 1113 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 Boston?
Approximately 6,000 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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