Solar energy in Balikpapan, Indonesia
Average irradiation 4.73 kWh/m²/day · ~1381 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Balikpapan (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.53 | 27.3 | 110 |
| Feb | 4.90 | 27.3 | 119 |
| Mar | 4.91 | 27.4 | 119 |
| Apr | 4.83 | 27.7 | 118 |
| May | 4.65 | 27.9 | 113 |
| Jun | 4.31 | 27.4 | 105 |
| Jul | 4.61 | 27.0 | 112 |
| Aug | 4.95 | 27.0 | 120 |
| Sep | 5.02 | 27.2 | 122 |
| Oct | 4.88 | 27.5 | 119 |
| Nov | 4.65 | 27.7 | 113 |
| Dec | 4.51 | 27.5 | 110 |
Solar potential of Balikpapan explained
Balikpapan receives an average of 4.73 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 1381 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Balikpapan among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Balikpapan?
With 4.73 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Balikpapan produces roughly 1381 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 Balikpapan?
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%.
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