Solar energy in Canberra, Australia
Average irradiation 4.8 kWh/m²/day · ~1402 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Canberra (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6.87 | 20.8 | 167 |
| Feb | 5.88 | 19.1 | 143 |
| Mar | 5.03 | 16.5 | 122 |
| Apr | 3.88 | 12.9 | 94 |
| May | 3.02 | 8.8 | 73 |
| Jun | 2.33 | 6.2 | 57 |
| Jul | 2.67 | 5.2 | 65 |
| Aug | 3.57 | 6.0 | 87 |
| Sep | 4.84 | 9.2 | 118 |
| Oct | 5.88 | 12.5 | 143 |
| Nov | 6.58 | 16.0 | 160 |
| Dec | 7.00 | 18.2 | 170 |
Solar potential of Canberra explained
Canberra receives an average of 4.8 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 1402 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Canberra among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Canberra?
With 4.8 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Canberra produces roughly 1402 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 Canberra?
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
Sydney (4.7) · Melbourne (4.2) · Perth (5.4) · Auckland (4) · Brisbane (5.4) · Adelaide (4.7) · all cities →