Solar energy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Average irradiation 5.88 kWh/m²/day · ~1717 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Abu Dhabi (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.20 | 19.9 | 102 |
| Feb | 4.99 | 20.6 | 121 |
| Mar | 5.86 | 23.1 | 142 |
| Apr | 6.60 | 26.9 | 161 |
| May | 7.31 | 30.8 | 178 |
| Jun | 7.43 | 32.8 | 181 |
| Jul | 6.91 | 34.7 | 168 |
| Aug | 6.78 | 35.3 | 165 |
| Sep | 6.40 | 33.6 | 156 |
| Oct | 5.61 | 30.8 | 136 |
| Nov | 4.54 | 26.6 | 111 |
| Dec | 3.96 | 22.5 | 96 |
Solar potential of Abu Dhabi explained
Abu Dhabi receives an average of 5.88 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 1717 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Abu Dhabi among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Abu Dhabi?
With 5.88 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Abu Dhabi produces roughly 1717 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 Abu Dhabi?
Approximately 9,000 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
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