How much electricity do solar panels generate across Ukraine
1 kW of solar panels in Ukraine generates 1,000 to 1,500 kWh per year depending on the region. The gap between Odesa (best) and Lviv (lowest) reaches 30%. To get the same output, a homeowner in Lviv needs a system one-third larger than in Odesa.
We compiled data from actual customer installations and cross-checked against PVsyst and PVGIS calculations.
Annual output by region
Data for monocrystalline panels at 21% efficiency, south-facing, 30-35° tilt, no shading:
| City / Region | kWh/kW/year | kWh/kW/month (avg) |
|---|---|---|
| Odesa | 1,400-1,500 | 117-125 |
| Kherson | 1,380-1,480 | 115-123 |
| Mykolaiv | 1,350-1,450 | 113-121 |
| Zaporizhzhia | 1,300-1,400 | 108-117 |
| Dnipro | 1,280-1,380 | 107-115 |
| Poltava | 1,250-1,350 | 104-113 |
| Kharkiv | 1,230-1,320 | 103-110 |
| Kyiv | 1,150-1,300 | 96-108 |
| Vinnytsia | 1,150-1,280 | 96-107 |
| Cherkasy | 1,180-1,300 | 98-108 |
| Chernihiv | 1,100-1,250 | 92-104 |
| Sumy | 1,120-1,260 | 93-105 |
| Lviv | 1,050-1,200 | 88-100 |
| Rivne | 1,070-1,220 | 89-102 |
| Lutsk | 1,060-1,210 | 88-101 |
| Uzhhorod | 1,080-1,230 | 90-103 |
These figures assume ideal conditions. Real output is typically 5-15% lower due to shading, soiling, cable losses, and inverter efficiency.
Seasonal variation: summer vs winter
| Month | Odesa (kWh/kW) | Kyiv (kWh/kW) | Lviv (kWh/kW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40-50 | 25-35 | 20-30 |
| February | 55-70 | 40-55 | 35-48 |
| March | 100-115 | 80-95 | 70-85 |
| April | 130-145 | 110-130 | 95-115 |
| May | 160-175 | 140-160 | 120-140 |
| June | 170-185 | 150-170 | 130-150 |
| July | 175-190 | 155-175 | 135-155 |
| August | 155-170 | 135-155 | 115-135 |
| September | 120-135 | 100-120 | 85-105 |
| October | 80-95 | 60-80 | 50-68 |
| November | 45-60 | 30-45 | 25-38 |
| December | 35-45 | 20-32 | 18-28 |
A 5 kW system in Kyiv generates 750-850 kWh/month in summer but only 100-160 kWh in winter. Battery storage and capacity margin make sense.
What affects real-world output
Orientation and tilt
- South, 30-35° — 100% (reference)
- SE or SW, 30° — 95%
- East or west, 30° — 80-85%
- Flat roof (0°) — 88-92%
- Vertical facade — 60-70%
Temperature
Panels lose output when hot. Typical PERC temperature coefficient is -0.35%/°C. In summer, with panel temperature at 55°C (30° above STC), losses reach 10-11%.
Shading and soiling
Shade from a tree on one panel can cut an entire string output by 30-50%. Dust, leaves, bird droppings reduce output 3-8% without regular cleaning.
Degradation
First year: -1-2%. Then 0.3-0.5% annually for mono. After 10 years, a 5 kW system performs like 4.7-4.8 kW.
How to calculate output for your home
- Find your city in the table (kWh/kW/year)
- Multiply by system size. Example: Dnipro, 6 kW: 1,330 x 6 = 7,980 kWh/year
- Apply orientation factor (e.g. x 0.85 for east-facing roof)
- Subtract 10% for real-world losses
- Result: 7,980 x 0.85 x 0.90 = 6,105 kWh/year, or ~509 kWh/month
For a more precise figure, use our panel calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kWh does one 500 W panel produce per year?
In Ukraine — 525 to 750 kWh per year. In Kyiv ~575-650 kWh, Odesa ~700-750 kWh, Lviv ~525-600 kWh.
Why is real output lower than calculated?
Cable losses (1-3%), inverter (2-4%), soiling (3-8%), shading (0-30%), degradation (1-10%). Combined: 10-20% below ideal.
Which month has the highest generation?
July is peak for all of Ukraine. The gap with June is small (5-10%). Lowest: December and January.
Are solar panels worth it in western Ukraine?
Yes. Even in Lviv the system pays back — just plan 25-30% more capacity versus Odesa for the same result.
How does cloud cover affect generation?
Full overcast: 10-15% of rated output. Partial cloud: 20-40%. Rain: 5-10%. Generation is never zero even on bad days.
Summary
Southern and central Ukraine offer excellent solar potential at 1,200-1,500 kWh/kW/year. Western regions trail by 20-30% but still deliver profitable returns. Choose 500 W panels from Tier 1 manufacturers with proper orientation. Full selection guide here.
