Solar energy in Cincinnati, United States
Average irradiation 3.98 kWh/m²/day · ~1162 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Cincinnati (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.79 | -1.0 | 44 |
| Feb | 2.60 | 0.1 | 63 |
| Mar | 3.61 | 5.7 | 88 |
| Apr | 4.92 | 12.2 | 120 |
| May | 5.53 | 17.7 | 134 |
| Jun | 6.20 | 22.2 | 151 |
| Jul | 6.05 | 24.4 | 147 |
| Aug | 5.51 | 24.1 | 134 |
| Sep | 4.56 | 20.4 | 111 |
| Oct | 3.21 | 13.3 | 78 |
| Nov | 2.23 | 6.4 | 54 |
| Dec | 1.54 | 1.3 | 38 |
Solar potential of Cincinnati explained
Cincinnati receives an average of 3.98 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 1162 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 Cincinnati?
With 3.98 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Cincinnati produces roughly 1162 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 Cincinnati?
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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