Solar energy in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Average irradiation 2.52 kWh/m²/day · ~736 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Edinburgh (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0.55 | 3.4 | 13 |
| Feb | 1.20 | 3.4 | 29 |
| Mar | 2.25 | 4.6 | 55 |
| Apr | 3.66 | 6.9 | 89 |
| May | 4.70 | 9.8 | 114 |
| Jun | 4.57 | 12.7 | 111 |
| Jul | 4.40 | 14.4 | 107 |
| Aug | 3.65 | 14.1 | 89 |
| Sep | 2.64 | 12.2 | 64 |
| Oct | 1.46 | 9.2 | 35 |
| Nov | 0.71 | 6.1 | 17 |
| Dec | 0.40 | 3.9 | 10 |
Solar potential of Edinburgh explained
Edinburgh receives an average of 2.52 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 736 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. While winters are dark, modern panel prices mean solar can still be economical — self-consumption value matters more than raw sunshine here.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Edinburgh?
With 2.52 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Edinburgh produces roughly 736 kWh per year. That is a moderate solar resource; economics depend more on local electricity prices and incentives, which our AI planner can research for you.
How much electricity would a 5 kW system produce in Edinburgh?
Approximately 4,000 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
London (2.6) · Paris (3.2) · Berlin (2.9) · Munich (3.3) · Madrid (4.8) · Barcelona (4.6) · all cities →