Solar energy in Kyoto, Japan
Average irradiation 3.57 kWh/m²/day · ~1042 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Kyoto (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.82 | 2.3 | 44 |
| Feb | 2.45 | 3.2 | 59 |
| Mar | 3.56 | 6.3 | 87 |
| Apr | 4.58 | 11.5 | 111 |
| May | 5.09 | 16.6 | 124 |
| Jun | 4.77 | 20.8 | 116 |
| Jul | 4.67 | 24.9 | 114 |
| Aug | 4.98 | 25.7 | 121 |
| Sep | 3.88 | 22.0 | 94 |
| Oct | 3.10 | 16.0 | 75 |
| Nov | 2.24 | 10.2 | 55 |
| Dec | 1.68 | 4.7 | 41 |
Solar potential of Kyoto explained
Kyoto receives an average of 3.57 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 1042 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 Kyoto?
With 3.57 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Kyoto produces roughly 1042 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 Kyoto?
Approximately 5,000 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%.
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