Solar energy in Memphis, United States
Average irradiation 4.44 kWh/m²/day · ~1296 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Memphis (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.44 | 3.8 | 59 |
| Feb | 3.01 | 5.8 | 73 |
| Mar | 4.12 | 11.0 | 100 |
| Apr | 5.30 | 16.3 | 129 |
| May | 5.94 | 21.1 | 145 |
| Jun | 6.68 | 25.8 | 162 |
| Jul | 6.39 | 27.8 | 156 |
| Aug | 5.85 | 27.8 | 142 |
| Sep | 4.95 | 24.1 | 120 |
| Oct | 3.77 | 17.2 | 92 |
| Nov | 2.76 | 10.4 | 67 |
| Dec | 2.13 | 5.7 | 52 |
Solar potential of Memphis explained
Memphis receives an average of 4.44 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 1296 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 Memphis?
With 4.44 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Memphis produces roughly 1296 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 Memphis?
Approximately 6,000 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
New York (4) · Los Angeles (5.4) · Phoenix (5.9) · Houston (4.7) · Miami (5.1) · Denver (5) · all cities →