Solar energy in Lyon, France
Average irradiation 3.74 kWh/m²/day · ~1092 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Lyon (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.33 | 1.5 | 32 |
| Feb | 2.19 | 2.3 | 53 |
| Mar | 3.51 | 6.0 | 85 |
| Apr | 4.72 | 10.0 | 115 |
| May | 5.45 | 13.8 | 132 |
| Jun | 6.40 | 18.4 | 156 |
| Jul | 6.42 | 20.6 | 156 |
| Aug | 5.49 | 20.1 | 133 |
| Sep | 4.15 | 15.9 | 101 |
| Oct | 2.59 | 11.6 | 63 |
| Nov | 1.50 | 6.0 | 37 |
| Dec | 1.11 | 2.3 | 27 |
Solar potential of Lyon explained
Lyon receives an average of 3.74 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 1092 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 Lyon?
With 3.74 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Lyon produces roughly 1092 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 Lyon?
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%.
Compare with nearby cities
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