Solar energy in Blantyre, Malawi
Average irradiation 5.62 kWh/m²/day · ~1641 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Blantyre (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5.60 | 24.6 | 136 |
| Feb | 5.87 | 24.1 | 143 |
| Mar | 5.72 | 23.7 | 139 |
| Apr | 5.44 | 22.5 | 132 |
| May | 5.02 | 21.2 | 122 |
| Jun | 4.46 | 19.7 | 109 |
| Jul | 4.52 | 19.3 | 110 |
| Aug | 5.43 | 21.9 | 132 |
| Sep | 6.19 | 25.3 | 151 |
| Oct | 6.59 | 27.9 | 160 |
| Nov | 6.56 | 28.3 | 159 |
| Dec | 6.02 | 26.2 | 146 |
Solar potential of Blantyre explained
Blantyre receives an average of 5.62 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 1641 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Blantyre among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Blantyre?
With 5.62 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Blantyre produces roughly 1641 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 Blantyre?
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
Cairo (5.9) · Casablanca (5.3) · Lagos (4.6) · Nairobi (5.5) · Johannesburg (5.5) · Cape Town (5.3) · all cities →