Solar energy in Accra, Ghana
Average irradiation 4.9 kWh/m²/day · ~1431 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Accra (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.98 | 27.3 | 121 |
| Feb | 5.08 | 27.8 | 124 |
| Mar | 5.30 | 27.9 | 129 |
| Apr | 5.32 | 27.7 | 129 |
| May | 4.98 | 27.2 | 121 |
| Jun | 4.24 | 25.9 | 103 |
| Jul | 4.33 | 24.6 | 105 |
| Aug | 4.44 | 24.1 | 108 |
| Sep | 4.71 | 25.1 | 115 |
| Oct | 5.22 | 26.1 | 127 |
| Nov | 5.24 | 27.0 | 128 |
| Dec | 5.00 | 27.4 | 122 |
Solar potential of Accra explained
Accra receives an average of 4.9 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 1431 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Accra among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Accra?
With 4.9 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Accra produces roughly 1431 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 Accra?
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 →