Solar energy in Toronto, Canada
Average irradiation 3.65 kWh/m²/day · ~1066 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Toronto (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.43 | -2.7 | 35 |
| Feb | 2.13 | -2.8 | 52 |
| Mar | 3.36 | 0.7 | 82 |
| Apr | 4.51 | 5.5 | 110 |
| May | 5.50 | 11.3 | 134 |
| Jun | 6.08 | 17.6 | 148 |
| Jul | 6.00 | 21.7 | 146 |
| Aug | 5.28 | 21.6 | 129 |
| Sep | 4.16 | 18.3 | 101 |
| Oct | 2.50 | 11.5 | 61 |
| Nov | 1.61 | 5.4 | 39 |
| Dec | 1.17 | 0.5 | 28 |
Solar potential of Toronto explained
Toronto receives an average of 3.65 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 1066 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 Toronto?
With 3.65 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Toronto produces roughly 1066 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 Toronto?
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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