Solar energy in Washington, D.C., United States
Average irradiation 4.12 kWh/m²/day · ~1203 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Washington, D.C. (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.17 | 0.1 | 53 |
| Feb | 2.97 | 1.3 | 72 |
| Mar | 3.97 | 5.8 | 97 |
| Apr | 5.00 | 12.2 | 122 |
| May | 5.57 | 17.6 | 136 |
| Jun | 6.20 | 22.8 | 151 |
| Jul | 6.04 | 25.8 | 147 |
| Aug | 5.36 | 25.1 | 130 |
| Sep | 4.39 | 21.3 | 107 |
| Oct | 3.32 | 14.4 | 81 |
| Nov | 2.47 | 7.8 | 60 |
| Dec | 1.91 | 2.8 | 46 |
Solar potential of Washington, D.C. explained
Washington, D.C. receives an average of 4.12 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 1203 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 Washington, D.C.?
With 4.12 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Washington, D.C. produces roughly 1203 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 Washington, D.C.?
Approximately 6,000 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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