Solar energy in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe
Average irradiation 5.81 kWh/m²/day · ~1697 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Chitungwiza (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6.37 | 21.3 | 155 |
| Feb | 6.26 | 21.0 | 152 |
| Mar | 5.81 | 20.3 | 141 |
| Apr | 5.46 | 18.6 | 133 |
| May | 5.11 | 16.2 | 124 |
| Jun | 4.55 | 13.9 | 111 |
| Jul | 4.71 | 13.6 | 115 |
| Aug | 5.65 | 16.4 | 137 |
| Sep | 6.37 | 19.9 | 155 |
| Oct | 6.76 | 22.4 | 165 |
| Nov | 6.44 | 22.7 | 157 |
| Dec | 6.23 | 21.6 | 151 |
Solar potential of Chitungwiza explained
Chitungwiza receives an average of 5.81 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 1697 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Chitungwiza among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Chitungwiza?
With 5.81 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Chitungwiza produces roughly 1697 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 Chitungwiza?
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 →