Solar energy in New York, USA
Average irradiation 3.92 kWh/m²/day · ~1145 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in New York (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.92 | 1.1 | 47 |
| Feb | 2.80 | 1.4 | 68 |
| Mar | 3.73 | 4.2 | 91 |
| Apr | 4.85 | 9.1 | 118 |
| May | 5.40 | 14.3 | 131 |
| Jun | 5.95 | 19.9 | 145 |
| Jul | 6.03 | 23.7 | 147 |
| Aug | 5.23 | 23.7 | 127 |
| Sep | 4.30 | 20.6 | 105 |
| Oct | 2.99 | 14.9 | 73 |
| Nov | 2.17 | 9.3 | 53 |
| Dec | 1.62 | 4.5 | 39 |
Solar potential of New York explained
New York receives an average of 3.92 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 1145 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 New York?
With 3.92 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in New York produces roughly 1145 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 New York?
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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