Solar energy in Cusco, Peru
Average irradiation 4.91 kWh/m²/day · ~1434 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Cusco (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.83 | 8.5 | 117 |
| Feb | 4.66 | 8.5 | 113 |
| Mar | 4.75 | 8.3 | 115 |
| Apr | 4.79 | 8.2 | 117 |
| May | 4.81 | 7.9 | 117 |
| Jun | 4.69 | 7.5 | 114 |
| Jul | 4.77 | 7.2 | 116 |
| Aug | 5.13 | 7.9 | 125 |
| Sep | 5.05 | 8.5 | 123 |
| Oct | 5.19 | 8.9 | 126 |
| Nov | 5.36 | 9.1 | 130 |
| Dec | 4.87 | 8.8 | 118 |
Solar potential of Cusco explained
Cusco receives an average of 4.91 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 1434 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Cusco among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Cusco?
With 4.91 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Cusco produces roughly 1434 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 Cusco?
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%.
Compare with nearby cities
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