Solar energy in Los Angeles, USA
Average irradiation 5.64 kWh/m²/day · ~1647 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Los Angeles (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3.16 | 12.0 | 77 |
| Feb | 4.04 | 12.2 | 98 |
| Mar | 5.38 | 13.8 | 131 |
| Apr | 6.65 | 15.1 | 162 |
| May | 7.49 | 17.5 | 182 |
| Jun | 8.10 | 20.4 | 197 |
| Jul | 7.93 | 23.4 | 193 |
| Aug | 7.45 | 23.9 | 181 |
| Sep | 6.26 | 23.0 | 152 |
| Oct | 4.79 | 19.5 | 116 |
| Nov | 3.57 | 15.5 | 87 |
| Dec | 2.86 | 11.8 | 70 |
Solar potential of Los Angeles explained
Los Angeles receives an average of 5.64 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 1647 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Los Angeles among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Los Angeles?
With 5.64 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Los Angeles produces roughly 1647 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 Los Angeles?
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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