Solar energy in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Average irradiation 5.62 kWh/m²/day · ~1641 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Colombo (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5.64 | 25.4 | 137 |
| Feb | 6.20 | 26.2 | 151 |
| Mar | 6.47 | 27.4 | 157 |
| Apr | 6.08 | 27.6 | 148 |
| May | 5.30 | 27.3 | 129 |
| Jun | 5.39 | 26.6 | 131 |
| Jul | 5.48 | 26.1 | 133 |
| Aug | 5.68 | 26.1 | 138 |
| Sep | 5.66 | 26.2 | 138 |
| Oct | 5.51 | 26.2 | 134 |
| Nov | 4.95 | 26.1 | 120 |
| Dec | 5.04 | 25.6 | 122 |
Solar potential of Colombo explained
Colombo receives an average of 5.62 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 1641 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Colombo among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Colombo?
With 5.62 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Colombo produces roughly 1641 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 Colombo?
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%.
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