Solar energy in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
Average irradiation 6.35 kWh/m²/day · ~1854 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Dire Dawa (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6.10 | 19.1 | 148 |
| Feb | 6.71 | 21.1 | 163 |
| Mar | 6.75 | 22.5 | 164 |
| Apr | 6.47 | 22.5 | 157 |
| May | 6.65 | 22.9 | 162 |
| Jun | 6.45 | 22.5 | 157 |
| Jul | 6.07 | 21.2 | 148 |
| Aug | 6.18 | 20.6 | 150 |
| Sep | 6.22 | 21.0 | 151 |
| Oct | 6.37 | 20.6 | 155 |
| Nov | 6.17 | 19.4 | 150 |
| Dec | 6.05 | 18.5 | 147 |
Solar potential of Dire Dawa explained
Dire Dawa receives an average of 6.35 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 1854 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Dire Dawa among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Dire Dawa?
With 6.35 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Dire Dawa produces roughly 1854 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 Dire Dawa?
Approximately 9,000 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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