Solar energy in Cairo, Egypt
Average irradiation 5.71 kWh/m²/day · ~1667 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Cairo (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3.45 | 12.1 | 84 |
| Feb | 4.24 | 13.7 | 103 |
| Mar | 5.56 | 17.1 | 135 |
| Apr | 6.60 | 20.9 | 161 |
| May | 7.44 | 25.3 | 181 |
| Jun | 7.98 | 28.5 | 194 |
| Jul | 7.78 | 29.9 | 189 |
| Aug | 7.15 | 29.9 | 174 |
| Sep | 6.30 | 27.5 | 153 |
| Oct | 4.98 | 23.7 | 121 |
| Nov | 3.78 | 18.7 | 92 |
| Dec | 3.20 | 14.0 | 78 |
Solar potential of Cairo explained
Cairo receives an average of 5.71 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 1667 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Cairo among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Cairo?
With 5.71 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Cairo produces roughly 1667 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 Cairo?
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
Casablanca (5.3) · Lagos (4.6) · Nairobi (5.5) · Johannesburg (5.5) · Cape Town (5.3) · Kinshasa (4.6) · all cities →