How much will solar panels produce in Cork?

A 4 kWp system facing south at 35° tilt in Cork produces about 3,896 kWh a year. In a weak year that is 3,247 kWh, in a good one 4,544 kWh — 974 kWh per kWp.

That’s about 93% of a typical home’s yearly use (4,200 kWh).

Calculate for my roof

Based on 2014–2023 satellite weather data

Production by month

0200400600JanJanuary: 4 kWp 149 kWh, range 115–182FebFebruary: 4 kWp 206 kWh, range 160–252MarMarch: 4 kWp 314 kWh, range 241–387AprApril: 4 kWp 432 kWh, range 323–540MayMay: 4 kWp 497 kWh, range 405–589JunJune: 4 kWp 489 kWh, range 397–581JulJuly: 4 kWp 492 kWh, range 404–581AugAugust: 4 kWp 444 kWh, range 363–524SepSeptember: 4 kWp 363 kWh, range 287–439OctOctober: 4 kWp 241 kWh, range 182–301NovNovember: 4 kWp 174 kWh, range 127–221DecDecember: 4 kWp 106 kWh, range 66–146

kWh per month

A typical day in May

The sunniest month in Cork. Output peaks around 11:00 solar time, at about 1.9 kWh in the best hour.

0:006:0012:0018:0023:00 1.9 0

Month by month

Month Weak year, kWh Typical year, kWh Good year, kWh
January 115 149 182
February 160 206 252
March 241 314 387
April 323 432 540
May 405 497 589
June 397 489 581
July 404 492 581
August 363 444 524
September 287 363 439
October 182 241 301
November 127 174 221
December 66 106 146
Year 3,247 3,896 4,544

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 Cork?

From November to February the system produces about 634 kWh, which is 16% of the year. The weakest month (December) gives roughly 106 kWh.

Is an east-west roof worth it in Cork?

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 Cork

Ground mount or roof in Cork?

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 Cork

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 Ireland

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