Solar energy in Kampala, Uganda
Average irradiation 5.34 kWh/m²/day · ~1559 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Kampala (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5.64 | 23.5 | 137 |
| Feb | 5.87 | 24.3 | 143 |
| Mar | 5.70 | 23.6 | 139 |
| Apr | 5.38 | 22.3 | 131 |
| May | 5.17 | 21.6 | 126 |
| Jun | 4.85 | 21.4 | 118 |
| Jul | 4.87 | 21.5 | 118 |
| Aug | 5.05 | 22.1 | 123 |
| Sep | 5.44 | 22.4 | 132 |
| Oct | 5.39 | 22.1 | 131 |
| Nov | 5.36 | 22.0 | 130 |
| Dec | 5.39 | 22.6 | 131 |
Solar potential of Kampala explained
Kampala receives an average of 5.34 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 1559 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Kampala among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Kampala?
With 5.34 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Kampala produces roughly 1559 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 Kampala?
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%.
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 →