Solar energy in Kabul, Afghanistan
Average irradiation 5.48 kWh/m²/day · ~1600 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Kabul (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.89 | -0.6 | 70 |
| Feb | 3.54 | 0.7 | 86 |
| Mar | 4.80 | 6.8 | 117 |
| Apr | 6.09 | 12.1 | 148 |
| May | 7.35 | 16.6 | 179 |
| Jun | 8.15 | 20.7 | 198 |
| Jul | 7.98 | 23.0 | 194 |
| Aug | 7.21 | 21.9 | 175 |
| Sep | 6.33 | 17.9 | 154 |
| Oct | 5.03 | 12.5 | 122 |
| Nov | 3.49 | 6.6 | 85 |
| Dec | 2.89 | 2.0 | 70 |
Solar potential of Kabul explained
Kabul receives an average of 5.48 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 1600 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Kabul among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Kabul?
With 5.48 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Kabul produces roughly 1600 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 Kabul?
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%.
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