Solar energy in Calgary, Canada
Average irradiation 3.5 kWh/m²/day · ~1022 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Calgary (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.16 | -7.2 | 28 |
| Feb | 2.20 | -6.9 | 53 |
| Mar | 3.49 | -2.5 | 85 |
| Apr | 4.49 | 2.6 | 109 |
| May | 5.34 | 8.7 | 130 |
| Jun | 5.82 | 12.8 | 141 |
| Jul | 6.30 | 16.8 | 153 |
| Aug | 5.20 | 15.5 | 126 |
| Sep | 3.64 | 10.3 | 89 |
| Oct | 2.28 | 3.4 | 56 |
| Nov | 1.23 | -2.9 | 30 |
| Dec | 0.88 | -7.8 | 21 |
Solar potential of Calgary explained
Calgary receives an average of 3.5 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 1022 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 Calgary?
With 3.5 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Calgary produces roughly 1022 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 Calgary?
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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