Solar energy in Indianapolis, United States
Average irradiation 4 kWh/m²/day · ~1168 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Indianapolis (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.83 | -3.1 | 44 |
| Feb | 2.61 | -1.6 | 63 |
| Mar | 3.66 | 4.4 | 89 |
| Apr | 4.85 | 11.0 | 118 |
| May | 5.52 | 16.8 | 134 |
| Jun | 6.28 | 21.6 | 153 |
| Jul | 6.10 | 23.4 | 148 |
| Aug | 5.54 | 22.7 | 135 |
| Sep | 4.58 | 19.2 | 111 |
| Oct | 3.22 | 12.1 | 78 |
| Nov | 2.21 | 5.1 | 54 |
| Dec | 1.56 | -0.5 | 38 |
Solar potential of Indianapolis explained
Indianapolis receives an average of 4 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 1168 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 Indianapolis?
With 4 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Indianapolis produces roughly 1168 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 Indianapolis?
Approximately 6,000 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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