Solar energy in Sydney, Australia
Average irradiation 4.65 kWh/m²/day · ~1358 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Sydney (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6.49 | 22.9 | 158 |
| Feb | 5.66 | 22.8 | 138 |
| Mar | 4.81 | 21.8 | 117 |
| Apr | 3.82 | 19.8 | 93 |
| May | 2.98 | 17.1 | 72 |
| Jun | 2.36 | 15.1 | 57 |
| Jul | 2.77 | 14.0 | 67 |
| Aug | 3.67 | 14.5 | 89 |
| Sep | 4.82 | 16.6 | 117 |
| Oct | 5.67 | 18.4 | 138 |
| Nov | 6.21 | 19.9 | 151 |
| Dec | 6.56 | 21.4 | 160 |
Solar potential of Sydney explained
Sydney receives an average of 4.65 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 1358 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Sydney among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Sydney?
With 4.65 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Sydney produces roughly 1358 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 Sydney?
Approximately 7,000 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
Melbourne (4.2) · Perth (5.4) · Auckland (4) · Brisbane (5.4) · Adelaide (4.7) · Gold Coast (5.3) · all cities →