How much will solar panels produce in Chicago?

A 8 kWp system facing south at 35° tilt in Chicago produces about 11,789 kWh a year. In a weak year that is 9,880 kWh, in a good one 13,698 kWh — 1,474 kWh per kWp.

That’s about 112% 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 613 kWh, range 428–798FebFebruary: 8 kWp 824 kWh, range 598–1,050MarMarch: 8 kWp 1,022 kWh, range 794–1,251AprApril: 8 kWp 1,130 kWh, range 939–1,321MayMay: 8 kWp 1,181 kWh, range 976–1,387JunJune: 8 kWp 1,213 kWh, range 989–1,437JulJuly: 8 kWp 1,269 kWh, range 1,059–1,478AugAugust: 8 kWp 1,239 kWh, range 1,028–1,451SepSeptember: 8 kWp 1,107 kWh, range 904–1,309OctOctober: 8 kWp 873 kWh, range 719–1,027NovNovember: 8 kWp 720 kWh, range 548–892DecDecember: 8 kWp 560 kWh, range 440–681

kWh per month

A typical day in July

The sunniest month in Chicago. Output peaks around 11:00 solar time, at about 5.3 kWh in the best hour.

0:006:0012:0018:0023:00 5.3 0

Month by month

Month Weak year, kWh Typical year, kWh Good year, kWh
January 428 613 798
February 598 824 1,050
March 794 1,022 1,251
April 939 1,130 1,321
May 976 1,181 1,387
June 989 1,213 1,437
July 1,059 1,269 1,478
August 1,028 1,239 1,451
September 904 1,107 1,309
October 719 873 1,027
November 548 720 892
December 440 560 681
Year 9,880 11,789 13,698

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 Chicago?

From November to February the system produces about 2,717 kWh, which is 23% of the year. The weakest month (December) gives roughly 560 kWh.

Is an east-west roof worth it in Chicago?

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 Chicago

Ground mount or roof in Chicago?

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 Chicago

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 United States

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