Solar energy in Basrah, Iraq
Average irradiation 5.64 kWh/m²/day · ~1647 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Basrah (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3.44 | 11.8 | 84 |
| Feb | 4.39 | 14.4 | 107 |
| Mar | 5.59 | 20.1 | 136 |
| Apr | 6.20 | 25.9 | 151 |
| May | 7.12 | 32.7 | 173 |
| Jun | 8.05 | 37.1 | 196 |
| Jul | 7.66 | 39.0 | 186 |
| Aug | 7.18 | 38.8 | 175 |
| Sep | 6.32 | 34.8 | 154 |
| Oct | 4.87 | 28.8 | 118 |
| Nov | 3.67 | 19.4 | 89 |
| Dec | 3.19 | 13.4 | 78 |
Solar potential of Basrah explained
Basrah receives an average of 5.64 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 1647 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Basrah among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Basrah?
With 5.64 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Basrah produces roughly 1647 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 Basrah?
Approximately 8,000 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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