Solar energy in Dubai, UAE
Average irradiation 5.67 kWh/m²/day · ~1656 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Dubai (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3.92 | 20.1 | 95 |
| Feb | 4.73 | 20.8 | 115 |
| Mar | 5.62 | 23.3 | 137 |
| Apr | 6.42 | 26.9 | 156 |
| May | 7.25 | 30.7 | 176 |
| Jun | 7.35 | 33.1 | 179 |
| Jul | 6.85 | 35.0 | 167 |
| Aug | 6.52 | 35.4 | 159 |
| Sep | 6.10 | 33.5 | 148 |
| Oct | 5.28 | 30.7 | 128 |
| Nov | 4.29 | 26.5 | 104 |
| Dec | 3.71 | 22.5 | 90 |
Solar potential of Dubai explained
Dubai receives an average of 5.67 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 1656 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Dubai among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Dubai?
With 5.67 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Dubai produces roughly 1656 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 Dubai?
Approximately 8,000 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
Riyadh (6) · Doha (5.8) · Tel Aviv (5.4) · Amman (5.6) · Tokyo (3.6) · Seoul (3.9) · all cities →