Solar energy in Cancún, Mexico
Average irradiation 5.38 kWh/m²/day · ~1571 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Cancún (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3.93 | 23.9 | 95 |
| Feb | 4.85 | 24.6 | 118 |
| Mar | 5.88 | 25.3 | 143 |
| Apr | 6.46 | 26.6 | 157 |
| May | 6.46 | 27.6 | 157 |
| Jun | 5.95 | 27.8 | 145 |
| Jul | 6.49 | 28.1 | 158 |
| Aug | 6.29 | 28.4 | 153 |
| Sep | 5.55 | 28.0 | 135 |
| Oct | 4.73 | 27.0 | 115 |
| Nov | 4.14 | 25.4 | 101 |
| Dec | 3.80 | 24.7 | 92 |
Solar potential of Cancún explained
Cancún receives an average of 5.38 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 1571 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Cancún among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Cancún?
With 5.38 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Cancún produces roughly 1571 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 Cancún?
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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