Solar energy in Contagem, Brazil
Average irradiation 5.36 kWh/m²/day · ~1565 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Contagem (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6.04 | 21.6 | 147 |
| Feb | 6.12 | 21.4 | 149 |
| Mar | 5.53 | 21.1 | 134 |
| Apr | 5.10 | 20.1 | 124 |
| May | 4.48 | 18.4 | 109 |
| Jun | 4.25 | 17.6 | 103 |
| Jul | 4.54 | 17.6 | 110 |
| Aug | 5.27 | 18.9 | 128 |
| Sep | 5.77 | 21.0 | 140 |
| Oct | 5.87 | 22.3 | 143 |
| Nov | 5.57 | 21.5 | 136 |
| Dec | 5.73 | 21.5 | 139 |
Solar potential of Contagem explained
Contagem receives an average of 5.36 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 1565 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Contagem among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Contagem?
With 5.36 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Contagem produces roughly 1565 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 Contagem?
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 →