Solar energy in Edmonton, Canada
Average irradiation 3.51 kWh/m²/day · ~1025 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Edmonton (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.06 | -10.2 | 26 |
| Feb | 2.22 | -9.3 | 54 |
| Mar | 3.79 | -3.8 | 92 |
| Apr | 4.69 | 3.8 | 114 |
| May | 5.79 | 10.5 | 141 |
| Jun | 6.03 | 14.9 | 147 |
| Jul | 6.14 | 17.8 | 149 |
| Aug | 5.07 | 16.5 | 123 |
| Sep | 3.50 | 11.0 | 85 |
| Oct | 2.04 | 3.5 | 50 |
| Nov | 1.00 | -4.0 | 24 |
| Dec | 0.75 | -9.8 | 18 |
Solar potential of Edmonton explained
Edmonton receives an average of 3.51 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 1025 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 Edmonton?
With 3.51 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Edmonton produces roughly 1025 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 Edmonton?
Approximately 5,000 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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