Solar energy in Milwaukee, United States
Average irradiation 3.67 kWh/m²/day · ~1072 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Milwaukee (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.38 | -6.8 | 34 |
| Feb | 2.25 | -5.6 | 55 |
| Mar | 3.47 | 0.9 | 84 |
| Apr | 4.57 | 6.9 | 111 |
| May | 5.37 | 13.1 | 131 |
| Jun | 5.95 | 19.0 | 145 |
| Jul | 6.11 | 22.5 | 149 |
| Aug | 5.24 | 21.7 | 128 |
| Sep | 4.15 | 17.6 | 101 |
| Oct | 2.65 | 10.0 | 64 |
| Nov | 1.67 | 3.0 | 41 |
| Dec | 1.16 | -3.5 | 28 |
Solar potential of Milwaukee explained
Milwaukee receives an average of 3.67 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 1072 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 Milwaukee?
With 3.67 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Milwaukee produces roughly 1072 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 Milwaukee?
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
New York (4) · Los Angeles (5.4) · Phoenix (5.9) · Houston (4.7) · Miami (5.1) · Denver (5) · all cities →