Solar energy in Chicago, USA
Average irradiation 3.84 kWh/m²/day · ~1121 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Chicago (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.64 | -2.5 | 40 |
| Feb | 2.50 | -2.3 | 61 |
| Mar | 3.58 | 2.0 | 87 |
| Apr | 4.70 | 6.9 | 114 |
| May | 5.37 | 11.8 | 131 |
| Jun | 6.10 | 18.1 | 148 |
| Jul | 6.16 | 22.5 | 150 |
| Aug | 5.35 | 22.6 | 130 |
| Sep | 4.40 | 19.1 | 107 |
| Oct | 2.92 | 12.3 | 71 |
| Nov | 1.94 | 6.0 | 47 |
| Dec | 1.41 | 0.5 | 34 |
Solar potential of Chicago explained
Chicago receives an average of 3.84 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 1121 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 Chicago?
With 3.84 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Chicago produces roughly 1121 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 Chicago?
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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