Solar energy in Honolulu, United States
Average irradiation 5.68 kWh/m²/day · ~1659 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Honolulu (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.25 | 23.0 | 103 |
| Feb | 4.85 | 22.7 | 118 |
| Mar | 5.48 | 22.9 | 133 |
| Apr | 6.28 | 23.6 | 153 |
| May | 6.81 | 24.6 | 166 |
| Jun | 7.09 | 25.4 | 172 |
| Jul | 6.97 | 25.9 | 169 |
| Aug | 6.69 | 26.3 | 163 |
| Sep | 6.22 | 26.4 | 151 |
| Oct | 5.19 | 25.9 | 126 |
| Nov | 4.35 | 24.9 | 106 |
| Dec | 3.93 | 23.7 | 96 |
Solar potential of Honolulu explained
Honolulu receives an average of 5.68 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 1659 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Honolulu among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Honolulu?
With 5.68 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Honolulu produces roughly 1659 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 Honolulu?
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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