Solar energy in Montréal, Canada
Average irradiation 3.54 kWh/m²/day · ~1034 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Montréal (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.45 | -11.3 | 35 |
| Feb | 2.38 | -9.6 | 58 |
| Mar | 3.56 | -3.3 | 87 |
| Apr | 4.43 | 5.4 | 108 |
| May | 5.26 | 13.2 | 128 |
| Jun | 5.76 | 18.5 | 140 |
| Jul | 5.77 | 21.7 | 140 |
| Aug | 5.06 | 21.1 | 123 |
| Sep | 3.97 | 16.9 | 96 |
| Oct | 2.34 | 8.8 | 57 |
| Nov | 1.44 | 1.4 | 35 |
| Dec | 1.04 | -6.6 | 25 |
Solar potential of Montréal explained
Montréal receives an average of 3.54 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 1034 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 Montréal?
With 3.54 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Montréal produces roughly 1034 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 Montréal?
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%.
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