Solar energy in Ottawa, Canada
Average irradiation 3.59 kWh/m²/day · ~1048 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Ottawa (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.44 | -11.3 | 35 |
| Feb | 2.43 | -10.1 | 59 |
| Mar | 3.65 | -3.7 | 89 |
| Apr | 4.54 | 5.0 | 110 |
| May | 5.35 | 12.6 | 130 |
| Jun | 5.81 | 17.8 | 141 |
| Jul | 5.89 | 20.6 | 143 |
| Aug | 5.14 | 19.7 | 125 |
| Sep | 3.98 | 15.7 | 97 |
| Oct | 2.35 | 8.1 | 57 |
| Nov | 1.47 | 1.0 | 36 |
| Dec | 1.05 | -6.8 | 25 |
Solar potential of Ottawa explained
Ottawa receives an average of 3.59 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 1048 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 Ottawa?
With 3.59 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Ottawa produces roughly 1048 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 Ottawa?
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
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