Solar energy in Asmara, Eritrea
Average irradiation 6.16 kWh/m²/day · ~1799 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Asmara (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5.48 | 19.5 | 133 |
| Feb | 6.14 | 20.9 | 149 |
| Mar | 6.82 | 22.8 | 166 |
| Apr | 7.15 | 24.8 | 174 |
| May | 6.98 | 26.4 | 170 |
| Jun | 6.58 | 26.5 | 160 |
| Jul | 5.71 | 23.7 | 139 |
| Aug | 5.37 | 22.8 | 131 |
| Sep | 6.31 | 23.9 | 153 |
| Oct | 6.33 | 22.4 | 154 |
| Nov | 5.73 | 21.0 | 139 |
| Dec | 5.32 | 19.6 | 129 |
Solar potential of Asmara explained
Asmara receives an average of 6.16 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 1799 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Asmara among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Asmara?
With 6.16 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Asmara produces roughly 1799 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 Asmara?
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
Cairo (5.9) · Casablanca (5.3) · Lagos (4.6) · Nairobi (5.5) · Johannesburg (5.5) · Cape Town (5.3) · all cities →