How much will solar panels produce in Zürich?

A 8 kWp system facing south at 35° tilt in Zürich produces about 9,387 kWh a year. In a weak year that is 7,828 kWh, in a good one 10,947 kWh — 1,173 kWh per kWp.

That’s about 209% of a typical home’s yearly use (4,500 kWh).

Calculate for my roof

Based on 2014–2023 satellite weather data

Production by month

05001,0001,500JanJanuary: 8 kWp 327 kWh, range 195–459FebFebruary: 8 kWp 535 kWh, range 390–681MarMarch: 8 kWp 894 kWh, range 686–1,103AprApril: 8 kWp 1,011 kWh, range 794–1,228MayMay: 8 kWp 1,022 kWh, range 831–1,213JunJune: 8 kWp 1,158 kWh, range 918–1,398JulJuly: 8 kWp 1,175 kWh, range 931–1,420AugAugust: 8 kWp 1,067 kWh, range 863–1,271SepSeptember: 8 kWp 948 kWh, range 752–1,143OctOctober: 8 kWp 677 kWh, range 521–833NovNovember: 8 kWp 355 kWh, range 264–447DecDecember: 8 kWp 245 kWh, range 143–348

kWh per month

A typical day in July

The sunniest month in Zürich. Output peaks around 12:00 solar time, at about 4.8 kWh in the best hour.

0:006:0012:0018:0023:00 4.8 0

Month by month

Month Weak year, kWh Typical year, kWh Good year, kWh
January 195 327 459
February 390 535 681
March 686 894 1,103
April 794 1,011 1,228
May 831 1,022 1,213
June 918 1,158 1,398
July 931 1,175 1,420
August 863 1,067 1,271
September 752 948 1,143
October 521 677 833
November 264 355 447
December 143 245 348
Year 7,828 9,387 10,947

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 Zürich?

From November to February the system produces about 1,463 kWh, which is 16% of the year. The weakest month (December) gives roughly 245 kWh.

Is an east-west roof worth it in Zürich?

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

Compare an east-west roof for Zürich

Ground mount or roof in Zürich?

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 Zürich

Your roof is not an average roof

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

Calculate for my roof

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