Solar energy in Columbus, United States
Average irradiation 3.92 kWh/m²/day · ~1145 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Columbus (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.72 | -2.6 | 42 |
| Feb | 2.48 | -1.4 | 60 |
| Mar | 3.58 | 4.0 | 87 |
| Apr | 4.84 | 10.7 | 118 |
| May | 5.49 | 16.5 | 134 |
| Jun | 6.11 | 21.2 | 149 |
| Jul | 5.92 | 23.4 | 144 |
| Aug | 5.49 | 23.1 | 134 |
| Sep | 4.55 | 19.3 | 111 |
| Oct | 3.15 | 12.1 | 76 |
| Nov | 2.22 | 5.3 | 54 |
| Dec | 1.48 | -0.1 | 36 |
Solar potential of Columbus explained
Columbus receives an average of 3.92 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 1145 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 Columbus?
With 3.92 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Columbus produces roughly 1145 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 Columbus?
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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