How much will solar panels produce in Rio de Janeiro?

A 5 kWp system facing north at 35° tilt in Rio de Janeiro produces about 7,249 kWh a year. In a weak year that is 6,080 kWh, in a good one 8,417 kWh — 1,450 kWh per kWp.

That’s about 362% of a typical home’s yearly use (2,000 kWh).

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Based on 2014–2023 satellite weather data

Production by month

02505007501,000JanJanuary: 5 kWp 644 kWh, range 512–777FebFebruary: 5 kWp 603 kWh, range 478–727MarMarch: 5 kWp 698 kWh, range 567–829AprApril: 5 kWp 652 kWh, range 531–773MayMay: 5 kWp 611 kWh, range 507–715JunJune: 5 kWp 550 kWh, range 437–664JulJuly: 5 kWp 627 kWh, range 512–742AugAugust: 5 kWp 608 kWh, range 484–733SepSeptember: 5 kWp 616 kWh, range 491–741OctOctober: 5 kWp 559 kWh, range 432–686NovNovember: 5 kWp 538 kWh, range 439–637DecDecember: 5 kWp 607 kWh, range 497–716

kWh per month

A typical day in March

The sunniest month in Rio de Janeiro. Output peaks around 11:00 solar time, at about 2.7 kWh in the best hour.

0:006:0012:0018:0023:00 2.7 0

Month by month

Month Weak year, kWh Typical year, kWh Good year, kWh
January 512 644 777
February 478 603 727
March 567 698 829
April 531 652 773
May 507 611 715
June 437 550 664
July 512 627 742
August 484 608 733
September 491 616 741
October 432 559 686
November 439 538 637
December 497 607 716
Year 6,080 7,249 8,417

The months don’t add up exactly to the yearly figure, because each one is the typical value across many years.

Common questions

How much do solar panels produce in winter in Rio de Janeiro?

From May to August the system produces about 2,396 kWh, which is 33% of the year. The weakest month (November) gives roughly 538 kWh.

Is an east-west roof worth it in Rio de Janeiro?

An east-west system typically produces 10–25% less per kWp than one facing north, but spreads production more evenly through the day. The exact difference depends on tilt and shading.

Compare an east-west roof for Rio de Janeiro

Ground mount or roof in Rio de Janeiro?

A ground mount can be tilted and aimed freely, which can add some yield, but it costs more and needs space. Compare both for your own plot.

Check a ground-mounted system in Rio de Janeiro

Your roof is not an average roof

Set your own tilt, direction, shading and inverter limit and get a range for your address.

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Climate data: Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS) — European Commission, Joint Research Centre