Solar energy in Douala, Cameroon
Average irradiation 4.25 kWh/m²/day · ~1241 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Douala (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5.01 | 26.4 | 122 |
| Feb | 4.76 | 26.9 | 116 |
| Mar | 4.53 | 26.7 | 110 |
| Apr | 4.57 | 26.7 | 111 |
| May | 4.52 | 26.5 | 110 |
| Jun | 3.86 | 25.5 | 94 |
| Jul | 3.40 | 24.7 | 83 |
| Aug | 3.24 | 24.5 | 79 |
| Sep | 3.80 | 25.1 | 92 |
| Oct | 4.14 | 25.6 | 101 |
| Nov | 4.36 | 26.2 | 106 |
| Dec | 4.83 | 26.4 | 117 |
Solar potential of Douala explained
Douala receives an average of 4.25 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 1241 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 Douala?
With 4.25 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Douala produces roughly 1241 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 Douala?
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
Cairo (5.9) · Casablanca (5.3) · Lagos (4.6) · Nairobi (5.5) · Johannesburg (5.5) · Cape Town (5.3) · all cities →