Solar energy in Cotonou, Benin
Average irradiation 4.65 kWh/m²/day · ~1358 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Cotonou (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.82 | 26.5 | 117 |
| Feb | 4.84 | 27.5 | 118 |
| Mar | 5.07 | 27.8 | 123 |
| Apr | 5.09 | 27.5 | 124 |
| May | 4.70 | 27.1 | 114 |
| Jun | 4.02 | 26.0 | 98 |
| Jul | 4.08 | 25.1 | 99 |
| Aug | 4.24 | 24.7 | 103 |
| Sep | 4.33 | 25.3 | 105 |
| Oct | 4.68 | 26.0 | 114 |
| Nov | 5.02 | 26.8 | 122 |
| Dec | 4.89 | 26.8 | 119 |
Solar potential of Cotonou explained
Cotonou receives an average of 4.65 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 1358 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Cotonou among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Cotonou?
With 4.65 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Cotonou produces roughly 1358 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 Cotonou?
Approximately 7,000 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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