Solar energy in Cleveland, United States
Average irradiation 3.62 kWh/m²/day · ~1057 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Cleveland (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.39 | -2.5 | 34 |
| Feb | 2.24 | -2.4 | 54 |
| Mar | 3.23 | 1.6 | 79 |
| Apr | 4.45 | 7.7 | 108 |
| May | 5.32 | 13.9 | 129 |
| Jun | 5.95 | 19.7 | 145 |
| Jul | 5.93 | 23.0 | 144 |
| Aug | 5.19 | 22.8 | 126 |
| Sep | 4.17 | 19.3 | 101 |
| Oct | 2.68 | 12.8 | 65 |
| Nov | 1.76 | 6.5 | 43 |
| Dec | 1.14 | 1.1 | 28 |
Solar potential of Cleveland explained
Cleveland receives an average of 3.62 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 1057 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 Cleveland?
With 3.62 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Cleveland produces roughly 1057 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 Cleveland?
Approximately 5,000 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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