Solar energy in Detroit, United States
Average irradiation 3.78 kWh/m²/day · ~1104 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Detroit (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.59 | -4.7 | 39 |
| Feb | 2.42 | -4.0 | 59 |
| Mar | 3.54 | 1.3 | 86 |
| Apr | 4.66 | 7.6 | 113 |
| May | 5.45 | 14.1 | 132 |
| Jun | 6.16 | 19.5 | 150 |
| Jul | 6.22 | 22.4 | 151 |
| Aug | 5.34 | 21.8 | 130 |
| Sep | 4.26 | 18.0 | 103 |
| Oct | 2.77 | 10.8 | 67 |
| Nov | 1.78 | 4.2 | 43 |
| Dec | 1.24 | -1.5 | 30 |
Solar potential of Detroit explained
Detroit receives an average of 3.78 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 1104 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 Detroit?
With 3.78 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Detroit produces roughly 1104 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 Detroit?
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
New York (4) · Los Angeles (5.4) · Phoenix (5.9) · Houston (4.7) · Miami (5.1) · Denver (5) · all cities →