Solar energy in Vancouver, Canada
Average irradiation 3.21 kWh/m²/day · ~937 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Vancouver (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0.86 | -0.5 | 21 |
| Feb | 1.74 | -0.5 | 42 |
| Mar | 2.56 | 1.6 | 62 |
| Apr | 3.91 | 4.9 | 95 |
| May | 5.20 | 10.1 | 126 |
| Jun | 5.52 | 13.2 | 134 |
| Jul | 6.19 | 16.5 | 150 |
| Aug | 5.24 | 16.4 | 127 |
| Sep | 3.60 | 12.9 | 88 |
| Oct | 2.02 | 7.5 | 49 |
| Nov | 1.01 | 2.3 | 24 |
| Dec | 0.68 | -1.1 | 17 |
Solar potential of Vancouver explained
Vancouver receives an average of 3.21 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 937 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 Vancouver?
With 3.21 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Vancouver produces roughly 937 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 Vancouver?
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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