Solar energy in Reading, United Kingdom
Average irradiation 2.93 kWh/m²/day · ~856 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Reading (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0.84 | 4.0 | 20 |
| Feb | 1.51 | 4.0 | 37 |
| Mar | 2.64 | 5.8 | 64 |
| Apr | 4.04 | 8.6 | 98 |
| May | 4.87 | 11.8 | 119 |
| Jun | 5.30 | 15.1 | 129 |
| Jul | 5.09 | 17.4 | 124 |
| Aug | 4.19 | 17.0 | 102 |
| Sep | 3.23 | 14.4 | 79 |
| Oct | 1.85 | 10.9 | 45 |
| Nov | 0.99 | 7.0 | 24 |
| Dec | 0.66 | 4.6 | 16 |
Solar potential of Reading explained
Reading receives an average of 2.93 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 856 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 Reading?
With 2.93 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Reading produces roughly 856 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 Reading?
Approximately 4,000 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
London (2.6) · Paris (3.2) · Berlin (2.9) · Munich (3.3) · Madrid (4.8) · Barcelona (4.6) · all cities →