Solar energy in Charlotte, United States
Average irradiation 4.47 kWh/m²/day · ~1305 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Charlotte (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.64 | 4.4 | 64 |
| Feb | 3.29 | 6.3 | 80 |
| Mar | 4.36 | 10.6 | 106 |
| Apr | 5.53 | 16.0 | 134 |
| May | 6.03 | 20.8 | 147 |
| Jun | 6.46 | 25.3 | 157 |
| Jul | 6.11 | 27.1 | 149 |
| Aug | 5.51 | 26.4 | 134 |
| Sep | 4.71 | 22.8 | 114 |
| Oct | 3.77 | 16.6 | 92 |
| Nov | 2.93 | 10.3 | 71 |
| Dec | 2.29 | 6.5 | 56 |
Solar potential of Charlotte explained
Charlotte receives an average of 4.47 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 1305 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 Charlotte?
With 4.47 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Charlotte produces roughly 1305 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 Charlotte?
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
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