How much will solar panels produce in Köln?

A 8 kWp system facing south at 35° tilt in Köln produces about 8,467 kWh a year. In a weak year that is 6,967 kWh, in a good one 9,968 kWh — 1,058 kWh per kWp.

That’s about 242% 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 250 kWh, range 160–341FebFebruary: 8 kWp 460 kWh, range 323–596MarMarch: 8 kWp 712 kWh, range 515–909AprApril: 8 kWp 925 kWh, range 739–1,112MayMay: 8 kWp 1,059 kWh, range 829–1,289JunJune: 8 kWp 1,061 kWh, range 831–1,291JulJuly: 8 kWp 1,024 kWh, range 820–1,227AugAugust: 8 kWp 1,013 kWh, range 815–1,211SepSeptember: 8 kWp 837 kWh, range 657–1,017OctOctober: 8 kWp 528 kWh, range 399–656NovNovember: 8 kWp 317 kWh, range 219–415DecDecember: 8 kWp 204 kWh, range 113–295

kWh per month

A typical day in June

The sunniest month in Köln. 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 160 250 341
February 323 460 596
March 515 712 909
April 739 925 1,112
May 829 1,059 1,289
June 831 1,061 1,291
July 820 1,024 1,227
August 815 1,013 1,211
September 657 837 1,017
October 399 528 656
November 219 317 415
December 113 204 295
Year 6,967 8,467 9,968

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 Köln?

From November to February the system produces about 1,231 kWh, which is 15% of the year. The weakest month (December) gives roughly 204 kWh.

Is an east-west roof worth it in Köln?

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 Köln

Ground mount or roof in Köln?

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 Köln

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