Solar energy in Cuenca, Ecuador
Average irradiation 3.84 kWh/m²/day · ~1121 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Cuenca (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3.83 | 14.0 | 93 |
| Feb | 3.81 | 14.0 | 93 |
| Mar | 4.02 | 13.8 | 98 |
| Apr | 4.11 | 13.5 | 100 |
| May | 3.71 | 13.0 | 90 |
| Jun | 3.44 | 11.8 | 84 |
| Jul | 3.46 | 11.5 | 84 |
| Aug | 3.76 | 11.9 | 91 |
| Sep | 4.01 | 12.8 | 97 |
| Oct | 3.91 | 13.8 | 95 |
| Nov | 4.05 | 14.2 | 98 |
| Dec | 3.96 | 14.0 | 96 |
Solar potential of Cuenca explained
Cuenca receives an average of 3.84 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 1121 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This is a solid mid-range solar resource: production is meaningful year-round, though winter output drops noticeably.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Cuenca?
With 3.84 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Cuenca produces roughly 1121 kWh per year. That is a good solar resource; with current panel prices most systems pay back well within their lifetime.
How much electricity would a 5 kW system produce in Cuenca?
Approximately 6,000 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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