Solar energy in Pittsburgh, United States
Average irradiation 3.72 kWh/m²/day · ~1086 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Pittsburgh (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.56 | -2.8 | 38 |
| Feb | 2.35 | -1.8 | 57 |
| Mar | 3.37 | 3.2 | 82 |
| Apr | 4.59 | 9.9 | 112 |
| May | 5.31 | 15.8 | 129 |
| Jun | 5.86 | 20.5 | 142 |
| Jul | 5.87 | 23.1 | 143 |
| Aug | 5.25 | 22.6 | 128 |
| Sep | 4.29 | 18.8 | 104 |
| Oct | 2.85 | 11.6 | 69 |
| Nov | 2.00 | 5.0 | 49 |
| Dec | 1.30 | -0.1 | 32 |
Solar potential of Pittsburgh explained
Pittsburgh receives an average of 3.72 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 1086 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 Pittsburgh?
With 3.72 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Pittsburgh produces roughly 1086 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 Pittsburgh?
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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