Solar energy in Phoenix, USA
Average irradiation 5.84 kWh/m²/day · ~1705 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Phoenix (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3.43 | 11.4 | 83 |
| Feb | 4.43 | 12.9 | 108 |
| Mar | 5.89 | 16.8 | 143 |
| Apr | 7.28 | 20.6 | 177 |
| May | 8.17 | 25.9 | 199 |
| Jun | 8.50 | 32.0 | 207 |
| Jul | 7.49 | 33.9 | 182 |
| Aug | 6.91 | 33.0 | 168 |
| Sep | 6.16 | 30.0 | 150 |
| Oct | 5.01 | 23.4 | 122 |
| Nov | 3.78 | 16.8 | 92 |
| Dec | 3.08 | 11.0 | 75 |
Solar potential of Phoenix explained
Phoenix receives an average of 5.84 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 1705 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Phoenix among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Phoenix?
With 5.84 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Phoenix produces roughly 1705 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 Phoenix?
Approximately 9,000 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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