Solar energy in Köln, Germany
Average irradiation 2.98 kWh/m²/day · ~870 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Köln (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0.79 | 1.4 | 19 |
| Feb | 1.50 | 2.1 | 36 |
| Mar | 2.70 | 5.3 | 66 |
| Apr | 4.19 | 9.6 | 102 |
| May | 4.93 | 13.4 | 120 |
| Jun | 5.37 | 17.1 | 131 |
| Jul | 5.17 | 19.4 | 126 |
| Aug | 4.38 | 18.9 | 106 |
| Sep | 3.30 | 15.1 | 80 |
| Oct | 1.91 | 10.5 | 46 |
| Nov | 0.93 | 5.9 | 23 |
| Dec | 0.61 | 2.4 | 15 |
Solar potential of Köln explained
Köln receives an average of 2.98 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 870 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. While winters are dark, modern panel prices mean solar can still be economical — self-consumption value matters more than raw sunshine here.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Köln?
With 2.98 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Köln produces roughly 870 kWh per year. That is a moderate solar resource; economics depend more on local electricity prices and incentives, which our AI planner can research for you.
How much electricity would a 5 kW system produce in Köln?
Approximately 4,000 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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