Solar energy in Minneapolis, United States
Average irradiation 3.86 kWh/m²/day · ~1127 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Minneapolis (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.81 | -10.6 | 44 |
| Feb | 2.97 | -8.9 | 72 |
| Mar | 3.68 | -0.6 | 89 |
| Apr | 4.66 | 7.1 | 113 |
| May | 5.42 | 13.9 | 132 |
| Jun | 6.04 | 19.8 | 147 |
| Jul | 6.40 | 22.8 | 156 |
| Aug | 5.36 | 21.2 | 130 |
| Sep | 4.15 | 16.7 | 101 |
| Oct | 2.72 | 8.1 | 66 |
| Nov | 1.77 | 0.6 | 43 |
| Dec | 1.31 | -7.1 | 32 |
Solar potential of Minneapolis explained
Minneapolis receives an average of 3.86 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 1127 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 Minneapolis?
With 3.86 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Minneapolis produces roughly 1127 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 Minneapolis?
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
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