Solar energy in Cochabamba, Bolivia
Average irradiation 5.74 kWh/m²/day · ~1676 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Cochabamba (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5.75 | 14.2 | 140 |
| Feb | 5.60 | 13.9 | 136 |
| Mar | 5.68 | 13.8 | 138 |
| Apr | 5.63 | 13.3 | 137 |
| May | 5.40 | 12.0 | 131 |
| Jun | 5.08 | 10.9 | 124 |
| Jul | 5.20 | 10.5 | 127 |
| Aug | 5.73 | 11.5 | 139 |
| Sep | 5.92 | 13.2 | 144 |
| Oct | 6.33 | 14.7 | 154 |
| Nov | 6.62 | 15.5 | 161 |
| Dec | 5.98 | 15.1 | 145 |
Solar potential of Cochabamba explained
Cochabamba receives an average of 5.74 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 1676 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Cochabamba among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Cochabamba?
With 5.74 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Cochabamba produces roughly 1676 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 Cochabamba?
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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