Solar energy in Arequipa, Peru
Average irradiation 6.63 kWh/m²/day · ~1936 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Arequipa (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6.64 | 11.6 | 161 |
| Feb | 5.95 | 11.5 | 145 |
| Mar | 6.24 | 11.6 | 152 |
| Apr | 6.29 | 11.4 | 153 |
| May | 5.87 | 10.1 | 143 |
| Jun | 5.47 | 9.7 | 133 |
| Jul | 5.62 | 9.4 | 137 |
| Aug | 6.40 | 10.2 | 156 |
| Sep | 7.18 | 11.1 | 175 |
| Oct | 7.92 | 11.8 | 193 |
| Nov | 8.27 | 12.1 | 201 |
| Dec | 7.65 | 11.8 | 186 |
Solar potential of Arequipa explained
Arequipa receives an average of 6.63 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 1936 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Arequipa among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Arequipa?
With 6.63 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Arequipa produces roughly 1936 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 Arequipa?
Approximately 10,000 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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