Solar energy in Durham, United States
Average irradiation 4.47 kWh/m²/day · ~1305 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Durham (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.65 | 3.4 | 64 |
| Feb | 3.32 | 5.2 | 81 |
| Mar | 4.35 | 9.5 | 106 |
| Apr | 5.55 | 15.2 | 135 |
| May | 6.07 | 20.0 | 148 |
| Jun | 6.41 | 24.7 | 156 |
| Jul | 6.20 | 26.7 | 151 |
| Aug | 5.52 | 25.8 | 134 |
| Sep | 4.65 | 22.2 | 113 |
| Oct | 3.71 | 16.0 | 90 |
| Nov | 2.90 | 9.7 | 71 |
| Dec | 2.31 | 5.7 | 56 |
Solar potential of Durham explained
Durham receives an average of 4.47 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 1305 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 Durham?
With 4.47 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Durham produces roughly 1305 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 Durham?
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%.
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