How much will solar panels produce in Manchester?

A 4 kWp system facing south at 35° tilt in Manchester produces about 3,588 kWh a year. In a weak year that is 3,003 kWh, in a good one 4,173 kWh — 897 kWh per kWp.

That’s about 133% of a typical home’s yearly use (2,700 kWh).

Calculate for my roof

Based on 2014–2023 satellite weather data

Production by month

0200400600JanJanuary: 4 kWp 100 kWh, range 79–120FebFebruary: 4 kWp 166 kWh, range 120–213MarMarch: 4 kWp 289 kWh, range 223–355AprApril: 4 kWp 420 kWh, range 305–535MayMay: 4 kWp 470 kWh, range 360–581JunJune: 4 kWp 458 kWh, range 344–571JulJuly: 4 kWp 439 kWh, range 351–527AugAugust: 4 kWp 417 kWh, range 346–488SepSeptember: 4 kWp 334 kWh, range 267–402OctOctober: 4 kWp 226 kWh, range 180–272NovNovember: 4 kWp 126 kWh, range 94–159DecDecember: 4 kWp 90 kWh, range 68–111

kWh per month

A typical day in May

The sunniest month in Manchester. Output peaks around 11:00 solar time, at about 1.8 kWh in the best hour.

0:006:0012:0018:0023:00 1.8 0

Month by month

Month Weak year, kWh Typical year, kWh Good year, kWh
January 79 100 120
February 120 166 213
March 223 289 355
April 305 420 535
May 360 470 581
June 344 458 571
July 351 439 527
August 346 417 488
September 267 334 402
October 180 226 272
November 94 126 159
December 68 90 111
Year 3,003 3,588 4,173

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 Manchester?

From November to February the system produces about 482 kWh, which is 14% of the year. The weakest month (December) gives roughly 90 kWh.

Is an east-west roof worth it in Manchester?

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 Manchester

Ground mount or roof in Manchester?

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 Manchester

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