Solar energy in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Average irradiation 6.21 kWh/m²/day · ~1813 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Jeddah (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.59 | 23.4 | 112 |
| Feb | 5.44 | 24.6 | 132 |
| Mar | 6.48 | 26.7 | 158 |
| Apr | 7.13 | 29.8 | 173 |
| May | 7.44 | 32.8 | 181 |
| Jun | 7.61 | 34.1 | 185 |
| Jul | 7.33 | 34.5 | 178 |
| Aug | 6.91 | 34.3 | 168 |
| Sep | 6.45 | 33.6 | 157 |
| Oct | 5.86 | 31.6 | 143 |
| Nov | 4.88 | 28.2 | 119 |
| Dec | 4.35 | 25.3 | 106 |
Solar potential of Jeddah explained
Jeddah receives an average of 6.21 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 1813 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Jeddah among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Jeddah?
With 6.21 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Jeddah produces roughly 1813 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 Jeddah?
Approximately 9,000 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
Dubai (5.9) · Riyadh (6) · Doha (5.8) · Tel Aviv (5.4) · Amman (5.6) · Tokyo (3.6) · all cities →