Solar energy in East London, South Africa
Average irradiation 4.73 kWh/m²/day · ~1381 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in East London (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6.52 | 22.9 | 159 |
| Feb | 5.97 | 23.4 | 145 |
| Mar | 5.05 | 22.8 | 123 |
| Apr | 3.86 | 21.3 | 94 |
| May | 3.03 | 19.9 | 74 |
| Jun | 2.71 | 18.1 | 66 |
| Jul | 2.90 | 17.6 | 70 |
| Aug | 3.63 | 17.8 | 88 |
| Sep | 4.66 | 18.4 | 113 |
| Oct | 5.47 | 19.3 | 133 |
| Nov | 6.33 | 20.2 | 154 |
| Dec | 6.64 | 21.6 | 161 |
Solar potential of East London explained
East London receives an average of 4.73 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 1381 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places East London among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in East London?
With 4.73 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in East London produces roughly 1381 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 East London?
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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