Solar energy in New Orleans, United States
Average irradiation 4.74 kWh/m²/day · ~1384 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in New Orleans (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3.04 | 12.0 | 74 |
| Feb | 3.63 | 14.0 | 88 |
| Mar | 4.89 | 17.3 | 119 |
| Apr | 5.83 | 21.0 | 142 |
| May | 6.46 | 24.7 | 157 |
| Jun | 6.08 | 27.9 | 148 |
| Jul | 5.64 | 28.5 | 137 |
| Aug | 5.36 | 28.5 | 130 |
| Sep | 5.11 | 26.8 | 124 |
| Oct | 4.52 | 22.3 | 110 |
| Nov | 3.53 | 17.0 | 86 |
| Dec | 2.74 | 13.5 | 67 |
Solar potential of New Orleans explained
New Orleans receives an average of 4.74 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 1384 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places New Orleans among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in New Orleans?
With 4.74 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in New Orleans produces roughly 1384 kWh per year. That is an excellent solar resource — payback periods are typically among the shortest worldwide.
How much electricity would a 5 kW system produce in New Orleans?
Approximately 7,000 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 →