Solar energy in Erbil, Iraq
Average irradiation 5.03 kWh/m²/day · ~1469 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Erbil (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.26 | 6.8 | 55 |
| Feb | 3.06 | 8.9 | 74 |
| Mar | 4.25 | 13.6 | 103 |
| Apr | 5.46 | 18.9 | 133 |
| May | 6.81 | 25.4 | 166 |
| Jun | 8.25 | 31.8 | 201 |
| Jul | 7.93 | 35.3 | 193 |
| Aug | 7.22 | 34.9 | 176 |
| Sep | 6.02 | 30.2 | 146 |
| Oct | 4.12 | 23.6 | 100 |
| Nov | 2.86 | 14.2 | 69 |
| Dec | 2.16 | 8.7 | 52 |
Solar potential of Erbil explained
Erbil receives an average of 5.03 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 1469 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Erbil among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Erbil?
With 5.03 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Erbil produces roughly 1469 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 Erbil?
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
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