Solar energy in Fresno, United States
Average irradiation 5.43 kWh/m²/day · ~1586 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Fresno (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.44 | 9.5 | 59 |
| Feb | 3.59 | 10.7 | 87 |
| Mar | 5.07 | 13.3 | 123 |
| Apr | 6.46 | 16.0 | 157 |
| May | 7.66 | 21.1 | 186 |
| Jun | 8.46 | 26.4 | 206 |
| Jul | 8.11 | 30.2 | 197 |
| Aug | 7.42 | 28.8 | 181 |
| Sep | 6.14 | 25.7 | 149 |
| Oct | 4.54 | 19.7 | 110 |
| Nov | 3.07 | 13.5 | 75 |
| Dec | 2.24 | 9.1 | 54 |
Solar potential of Fresno explained
Fresno receives an average of 5.43 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 1586 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Fresno among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Fresno?
With 5.43 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Fresno produces roughly 1586 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 Fresno?
Approximately 8,000 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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