Solar energy in Manchester, United Kingdom
Average irradiation 2.75 kWh/m²/day · ~803 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Manchester (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0.64 | 3.6 | 16 |
| Feb | 1.33 | 3.6 | 32 |
| Mar | 2.52 | 5.1 | 61 |
| Apr | 3.93 | 7.7 | 96 |
| May | 4.90 | 10.8 | 119 |
| Jun | 5.05 | 13.8 | 123 |
| Jul | 4.81 | 15.4 | 117 |
| Aug | 4.01 | 15.1 | 98 |
| Sep | 2.89 | 13.0 | 70 |
| Oct | 1.60 | 9.9 | 39 |
| Nov | 0.79 | 6.5 | 19 |
| Dec | 0.49 | 4.3 | 12 |
Solar potential of Manchester explained
Manchester receives an average of 2.75 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 803 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 Manchester?
With 2.75 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Manchester produces roughly 803 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 Manchester?
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
London (2.6) · Paris (3.2) · Berlin (2.9) · Munich (3.3) · Madrid (4.8) · Barcelona (4.6) · all cities →