Solar energy in Plymouth, United Kingdom
Average irradiation 3.17 kWh/m²/day · ~926 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Plymouth (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0.82 | 6.6 | 20 |
| Feb | 1.61 | 6.1 | 39 |
| Mar | 2.80 | 7.1 | 68 |
| Apr | 4.47 | 9.0 | 109 |
| May | 5.43 | 11.5 | 132 |
| Jun | 5.81 | 14.2 | 141 |
| Jul | 5.36 | 15.9 | 130 |
| Aug | 4.56 | 15.9 | 111 |
| Sep | 3.47 | 14.4 | 84 |
| Oct | 1.96 | 12.1 | 48 |
| Nov | 1.04 | 9.3 | 25 |
| Dec | 0.65 | 7.4 | 16 |
Solar potential of Plymouth explained
Plymouth receives an average of 3.17 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 926 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. While winters are dark, modern panel prices mean solar can still be economical — self-consumption value matters more than raw sunshine here.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Plymouth?
With 3.17 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Plymouth produces roughly 926 kWh per year. That is a moderate solar resource; economics depend more on local electricity prices and incentives, which our AI planner can research for you.
How much electricity would a 5 kW system produce in Plymouth?
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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