Solar energy in Houston, USA
Average irradiation 4.64 kWh/m²/day · ~1355 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Houston (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.92 | 10.3 | 71 |
| Feb | 3.33 | 12.5 | 81 |
| Mar | 4.47 | 16.5 | 109 |
| Apr | 5.30 | 20.4 | 129 |
| May | 6.01 | 24.6 | 146 |
| Jun | 6.29 | 28.0 | 153 |
| Jul | 6.12 | 28.5 | 149 |
| Aug | 5.85 | 29.0 | 142 |
| Sep | 5.03 | 26.2 | 122 |
| Oct | 4.42 | 21.4 | 108 |
| Nov | 3.34 | 15.9 | 81 |
| Dec | 2.64 | 11.7 | 64 |
Solar potential of Houston explained
Houston receives an average of 4.64 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 1355 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Houston among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Houston?
With 4.64 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Houston produces roughly 1355 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 Houston?
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%.
Compare with nearby cities
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