Solar energy in Denver, USA
Average irradiation 4.85 kWh/m²/day · ~1416 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Denver (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.59 | -1.7 | 63 |
| Feb | 3.54 | -1.4 | 86 |
| Mar | 4.73 | 3.2 | 115 |
| Apr | 5.77 | 7.2 | 140 |
| May | 6.47 | 12.5 | 157 |
| Jun | 7.22 | 19.4 | 176 |
| Jul | 7.00 | 22.3 | 170 |
| Aug | 6.31 | 20.7 | 153 |
| Sep | 5.37 | 16.4 | 131 |
| Oct | 3.98 | 8.7 | 97 |
| Nov | 2.87 | 2.8 | 70 |
| Dec | 2.29 | -2.1 | 56 |
Solar potential of Denver explained
Denver receives an average of 4.85 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 1416 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Denver among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Denver?
With 4.85 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Denver produces roughly 1416 kWh per year. That is an excellent solar resource — payback periods are typically among the shortest worldwide.
How much electricity would a 5 kW system produce in Denver?
Approximately 7,000 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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