Solar energy in Cali, Colombia
Average irradiation 4.21 kWh/m²/day · ~1229 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Cali (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.21 | 16.2 | 102 |
| Feb | 4.24 | 16.6 | 103 |
| Mar | 4.14 | 16.6 | 101 |
| Apr | 4.27 | 16.5 | 104 |
| May | 4.16 | 16.4 | 101 |
| Jun | 4.12 | 16.1 | 100 |
| Jul | 4.25 | 16.1 | 103 |
| Aug | 4.34 | 16.5 | 106 |
| Sep | 4.45 | 16.6 | 108 |
| Oct | 4.29 | 16.2 | 104 |
| Nov | 4.06 | 15.9 | 99 |
| Dec | 4.01 | 15.9 | 98 |
Solar potential of Cali explained
Cali receives an average of 4.21 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 1229 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This is a solid mid-range solar resource: production is meaningful year-round, though winter output drops noticeably.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Cali?
With 4.21 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Cali produces roughly 1229 kWh per year. That is a good solar resource; with current panel prices most systems pay back well within their lifetime.
How much electricity would a 5 kW system produce in Cali?
Approximately 6,000 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
São Paulo (4.5) · Rio de Janeiro (4.8) · Buenos Aires (4.6) · Santiago (5) · Bogotá (4.4) · Lima (5.1) · all cities →