Solar energy in Tucson, United States
Average irradiation 5.79 kWh/m²/day · ~1691 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Tucson (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3.56 | 7.7 | 87 |
| Feb | 4.49 | 9.2 | 109 |
| Mar | 5.97 | 12.9 | 145 |
| Apr | 7.37 | 16.6 | 179 |
| May | 8.18 | 21.5 | 199 |
| Jun | 8.32 | 27.5 | 202 |
| Jul | 6.91 | 27.4 | 168 |
| Aug | 6.51 | 26.7 | 158 |
| Sep | 5.90 | 24.2 | 144 |
| Oct | 5.11 | 18.8 | 124 |
| Nov | 3.93 | 12.6 | 96 |
| Dec | 3.25 | 7.4 | 79 |
Solar potential of Tucson explained
Tucson receives an average of 5.79 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 1691 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Tucson among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Tucson?
With 5.79 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Tucson produces roughly 1691 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 Tucson?
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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