Solar energy in Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Average irradiation 4.67 kWh/m²/day · ~1364 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Abidjan (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.90 | 27.3 | 119 |
| Feb | 4.84 | 27.9 | 118 |
| Mar | 5.16 | 27.5 | 125 |
| Apr | 5.28 | 27.1 | 128 |
| May | 4.80 | 26.6 | 117 |
| Jun | 4.02 | 25.6 | 98 |
| Jul | 4.14 | 24.6 | 101 |
| Aug | 4.03 | 24.4 | 98 |
| Sep | 4.29 | 25.2 | 104 |
| Oct | 4.76 | 25.9 | 116 |
| Nov | 5.01 | 26.6 | 122 |
| Dec | 4.78 | 26.9 | 116 |
Solar potential of Abidjan explained
Abidjan receives an average of 4.67 kilowatt-hours of solar energy per square metre per day, measured over four decades of satellite observation. In practical terms, every kilowatt-peak of installed PV capacity yields about 1364 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Abidjan among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Abidjan?
With 4.67 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Abidjan produces roughly 1364 kWh per year. That is an excellent solar resource — payback periods are typically among the shortest worldwide.
How much electricity would a 5 kW system produce in Abidjan?
Approximately 7,000 kWh per year — enough to cover a large share of a typical household's consumption.
What data is this based on?
Long-term satellite observations from NASA POWER (1981–present) and the PVGIS SARAH3 database, assuming a performance ratio of 80%.
Compare with nearby cities
Cairo (5.9) · Casablanca (5.3) · Lagos (4.6) · Nairobi (5.5) · Johannesburg (5.5) · Cape Town (5.3) · all cities →