Solar energy in Cartagena, Colombia
Average irradiation 5.31 kWh/m²/day · ~1551 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Cartagena (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5.53 | 27.3 | 135 |
| Feb | 5.88 | 27.6 | 143 |
| Mar | 5.84 | 27.7 | 142 |
| Apr | 5.61 | 28.1 | 137 |
| May | 5.16 | 28.3 | 126 |
| Jun | 5.33 | 28.7 | 130 |
| Jul | 5.46 | 28.6 | 133 |
| Aug | 5.37 | 28.5 | 130 |
| Sep | 5.14 | 28.4 | 125 |
| Oct | 4.75 | 28.1 | 115 |
| Nov | 4.60 | 28.1 | 112 |
| Dec | 5.07 | 27.8 | 123 |
Solar potential of Cartagena explained
Cartagena receives an average of 5.31 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 1551 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Cartagena among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Cartagena?
With 5.31 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Cartagena produces roughly 1551 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 Cartagena?
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
São Paulo (4.5) · Rio de Janeiro (4.8) · Buenos Aires (4.6) · Santiago (5) · Bogotá (4.4) · Lima (5.1) · all cities →