How much will solar panels produce in Boston?

A 8 kWp system facing south at 35° tilt in Boston produces about 11,264 kWh a year. In a weak year that is 9,413 kWh, in a good one 13,115 kWh — 1,408 kWh per kWp.

That’s about 107% of a typical home’s yearly use (10,500 kWh).

Calculate for my roof

Based on 2014–2023 satellite weather data

Production by month

05001,0001,500JanJanuary: 8 kWp 717 kWh, range 568–866FebFebruary: 8 kWp 806 kWh, range 647–966MarMarch: 8 kWp 1,058 kWh, range 858–1,257AprApril: 8 kWp 1,021 kWh, range 813–1,228MayMay: 8 kWp 1,143 kWh, range 881–1,405JunJune: 8 kWp 1,089 kWh, range 878–1,301JulJuly: 8 kWp 1,128 kWh, range 917–1,340AugAugust: 8 kWp 1,121 kWh, range 916–1,327SepSeptember: 8 kWp 963 kWh, range 749–1,177OctOctober: 8 kWp 814 kWh, range 652–975NovNovember: 8 kWp 727 kWh, range 563–891DecDecember: 8 kWp 601 kWh, range 454–749

kWh per month

A typical day in May

The sunniest month in Boston. Output peaks around 11:00 solar time, at about 4.7 kWh in the best hour.

0:006:0012:0018:0023:00 4.7 0

Month by month

Month Weak year, kWh Typical year, kWh Good year, kWh
January 568 717 866
February 647 806 966
March 858 1,058 1,257
April 813 1,021 1,228
May 881 1,143 1,405
June 878 1,089 1,301
July 917 1,128 1,340
August 916 1,121 1,327
September 749 963 1,177
October 652 814 975
November 563 727 891
December 454 601 749
Year 9,413 11,264 13,115

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 Boston?

From November to February the system produces about 2,851 kWh, which is 25% of the year. The weakest month (December) gives roughly 601 kWh.

Is an east-west roof worth it in Boston?

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 Boston

Ground mount or roof in Boston?

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 Boston

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