Solar energy in Buffalo, United States
Average irradiation 3.58 kWh/m²/day · ~1045 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Buffalo (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.38 | -3.8 | 34 |
| Feb | 2.12 | -3.6 | 52 |
| Mar | 3.27 | 0.6 | 80 |
| Apr | 4.43 | 6.5 | 108 |
| May | 5.40 | 13.3 | 131 |
| Jun | 5.88 | 18.9 | 143 |
| Jul | 5.89 | 22.3 | 143 |
| Aug | 5.23 | 21.8 | 127 |
| Sep | 4.13 | 18.1 | 100 |
| Oct | 2.52 | 11.1 | 61 |
| Nov | 1.63 | 4.7 | 40 |
| Dec | 1.09 | -0.6 | 27 |
Solar potential of Buffalo explained
Buffalo receives an average of 3.58 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 1045 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 Buffalo?
With 3.58 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Buffalo produces roughly 1045 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 Buffalo?
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%.
Compare with nearby cities
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