Solar energy in Christchurch, New Zealand
Average irradiation 3.96 kWh/m²/day · ~1156 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Christchurch (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6.29 | 17.5 | 153 |
| Feb | 5.58 | 17.1 | 136 |
| Mar | 4.28 | 15.1 | 104 |
| Apr | 2.86 | 11.9 | 69 |
| May | 1.86 | 9.2 | 45 |
| Jun | 1.41 | 6.6 | 34 |
| Jul | 1.66 | 5.9 | 40 |
| Aug | 2.46 | 7.1 | 60 |
| Sep | 3.67 | 8.9 | 89 |
| Oct | 5.02 | 10.8 | 122 |
| Nov | 6.08 | 13.3 | 148 |
| Dec | 6.32 | 15.8 | 154 |
Solar potential of Christchurch explained
Christchurch receives an average of 3.96 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 1156 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 Christchurch?
With 3.96 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Christchurch produces roughly 1156 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 Christchurch?
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
Sydney (4.7) · Melbourne (4.2) · Perth (5.4) · Auckland (4) · Brisbane (5.4) · Adelaide (4.7) · all cities →