Solar energy in Riverside, United States
Average irradiation 5.42 kWh/m²/day · ~1583 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Riverside (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3.25 | 10.5 | 79 |
| Feb | 4.12 | 10.9 | 100 |
| Mar | 5.40 | 13.2 | 131 |
| Apr | 6.50 | 15.0 | 158 |
| May | 6.94 | 18.1 | 169 |
| Jun | 7.30 | 21.9 | 178 |
| Jul | 7.38 | 25.5 | 179 |
| Aug | 7.05 | 25.8 | 171 |
| Sep | 5.97 | 24.2 | 145 |
| Oct | 4.62 | 19.3 | 112 |
| Nov | 3.56 | 14.3 | 87 |
| Dec | 2.91 | 10.0 | 71 |
Solar potential of Riverside explained
Riverside receives an average of 5.42 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 1583 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Riverside among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Riverside?
With 5.42 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Riverside produces roughly 1583 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 Riverside?
Approximately 8,000 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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