How much will solar panels produce in Essen?

A 8 kWp system facing south at 35° tilt in Essen produces about 8,346 kWh a year. In a weak year that is 6,891 kWh, in a good one 9,802 kWh — 1,043 kWh per kWp.

That’s about 238% of a typical home’s yearly use (3,500 kWh).

Calculate for my roof

Based on 2014–2023 satellite weather data

Production by month

05001,0001,500JanJanuary: 8 kWp 230 kWh, range 135–326FebFebruary: 8 kWp 428 kWh, range 299–556MarMarch: 8 kWp 718 kWh, range 523–914AprApril: 8 kWp 903 kWh, range 716–1,090MayMay: 8 kWp 1,053 kWh, range 831–1,276JunJune: 8 kWp 1,049 kWh, range 821–1,276JulJuly: 8 kWp 1,023 kWh, range 843–1,203AugAugust: 8 kWp 993 kWh, range 797–1,189SepSeptember: 8 kWp 806 kWh, range 640–971OctOctober: 8 kWp 526 kWh, range 395–657NovNovember: 8 kWp 329 kWh, range 241–417DecDecember: 8 kWp 199 kWh, range 99–299

kWh per month

A typical day in May

The sunniest month in Essen. Output peaks around 11:00 solar time, at about 4.3 kWh in the best hour.

0:006:0012:0018:0023:00 4.3 0

Month by month

Month Weak year, kWh Typical year, kWh Good year, kWh
January 135 230 326
February 299 428 556
March 523 718 914
April 716 903 1,090
May 831 1,053 1,276
June 821 1,049 1,276
July 843 1,023 1,203
August 797 993 1,189
September 640 806 971
October 395 526 657
November 241 329 417
December 99 199 299
Year 6,891 8,346 9,802

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 Essen?

From November to February the system produces about 1,186 kWh, which is 14% of the year. The weakest month (December) gives roughly 199 kWh.

Is an east-west roof worth it in Essen?

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 Essen

Ground mount or roof in Essen?

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 Essen

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

All cities in Germany

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