Solar energy in Bamako, Mali
Average irradiation 5.87 kWh/m²/day · ~1714 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Bamako (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5.59 | 24.0 | 136 |
| Feb | 6.09 | 27.1 | 148 |
| Mar | 6.45 | 30.4 | 157 |
| Apr | 6.46 | 32.7 | 157 |
| May | 6.22 | 32.2 | 151 |
| Jun | 5.98 | 29.4 | 145 |
| Jul | 5.61 | 26.6 | 136 |
| Aug | 5.34 | 25.4 | 130 |
| Sep | 5.70 | 25.9 | 139 |
| Oct | 5.85 | 27.4 | 142 |
| Nov | 5.68 | 26.8 | 138 |
| Dec | 5.52 | 24.4 | 134 |
Solar potential of Bamako explained
Bamako receives an average of 5.87 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 1714 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Bamako among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Bamako?
With 5.87 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Bamako produces roughly 1714 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 Bamako?
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 →