Solar energy in Delhi, India
Average irradiation 4.89 kWh/m²/day · ~1428 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Delhi (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3.09 | 13.6 | 75 |
| Feb | 4.35 | 17.4 | 106 |
| Mar | 5.65 | 23.6 | 137 |
| Apr | 6.58 | 30.4 | 160 |
| May | 6.71 | 35.0 | 163 |
| Jun | 6.09 | 35.9 | 148 |
| Jul | 5.01 | 32.3 | 122 |
| Aug | 4.89 | 29.8 | 119 |
| Sep | 5.06 | 28.3 | 123 |
| Oct | 4.66 | 25.2 | 113 |
| Nov | 3.58 | 20.1 | 87 |
| Dec | 3.03 | 15.2 | 74 |
Solar potential of Delhi explained
Delhi receives an average of 4.89 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 1428 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Delhi among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Delhi?
With 4.89 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Delhi produces roughly 1428 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 Delhi?
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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