Solar energy in Durban, South Africa
Average irradiation 4.67 kWh/m²/day · ~1364 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Durban (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6.15 | 24.5 | 150 |
| Feb | 5.95 | 25.0 | 145 |
| Mar | 5.16 | 24.7 | 125 |
| Apr | 4.11 | 23.4 | 100 |
| May | 3.52 | 22.3 | 86 |
| Jun | 3.09 | 20.8 | 75 |
| Jul | 3.29 | 20.0 | 80 |
| Aug | 3.81 | 20.0 | 93 |
| Sep | 4.45 | 20.4 | 108 |
| Oct | 5.00 | 21.0 | 122 |
| Nov | 5.51 | 21.9 | 134 |
| Dec | 5.96 | 23.3 | 145 |
Solar potential of Durban explained
Durban receives an average of 4.67 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 1364 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Durban among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Durban?
With 4.67 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Durban produces roughly 1364 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 Durban?
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%.
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 →