Solar energy in Bamenda, Cameroon
Average irradiation 5.1 kWh/m²/day · ~1489 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Bamenda (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5.71 | 20.6 | 139 |
| Feb | 5.60 | 21.7 | 136 |
| Mar | 5.46 | 22.1 | 133 |
| Apr | 5.33 | 21.8 | 130 |
| May | 5.24 | 21.4 | 127 |
| Jun | 4.66 | 20.4 | 113 |
| Jul | 4.29 | 19.5 | 104 |
| Aug | 4.22 | 19.2 | 103 |
| Sep | 4.65 | 19.7 | 113 |
| Oct | 4.95 | 20.2 | 120 |
| Nov | 5.40 | 20.5 | 131 |
| Dec | 5.62 | 20.3 | 137 |
Solar potential of Bamenda explained
Bamenda receives an average of 5.1 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 1489 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Bamenda among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Bamenda?
With 5.1 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Bamenda produces roughly 1489 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 Bamenda?
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 →