Solar energy in Zurich, Switzerland
Average irradiation 3.39 kWh/m²/day · ~990 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Zurich (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.17 | -0.7 | 28 |
| Feb | 1.99 | 0.1 | 48 |
| Mar | 3.22 | 4.3 | 78 |
| Apr | 4.46 | 8.9 | 108 |
| May | 5.13 | 13.1 | 125 |
| Jun | 5.82 | 17.1 | 141 |
| Jul | 5.73 | 18.7 | 139 |
| Aug | 4.91 | 18.2 | 119 |
| Sep | 3.71 | 14.1 | 90 |
| Oct | 2.33 | 9.8 | 57 |
| Nov | 1.29 | 4.3 | 31 |
| Dec | 0.94 | 0.2 | 23 |
Solar potential of Zurich explained
Zurich receives an average of 3.39 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 990 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 Zurich?
With 3.39 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Zurich produces roughly 990 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 Zurich?
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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