Solar energy in Datong, China
Average irradiation 4.52 kWh/m²/day · ~1320 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Datong (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.60 | -11.0 | 63 |
| Feb | 3.49 | -6.4 | 85 |
| Mar | 4.88 | 0.4 | 119 |
| Apr | 5.87 | 7.9 | 143 |
| May | 6.53 | 14.9 | 159 |
| Jun | 6.08 | 20.1 | 148 |
| Jul | 5.78 | 22.4 | 141 |
| Aug | 5.51 | 20.3 | 134 |
| Sep | 4.66 | 14.6 | 113 |
| Oct | 3.83 | 6.7 | 93 |
| Nov | 2.76 | -1.9 | 67 |
| Dec | 2.25 | -9.7 | 55 |
Solar potential of Datong explained
Datong receives an average of 4.52 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 1320 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Datong among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Datong?
With 4.52 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Datong produces roughly 1320 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 Datong?
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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