Solar energy in Kandahār, Afghanistan
Average irradiation 6.07 kWh/m²/day · ~1772 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Kandahār (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3.61 | 6.8 | 88 |
| Feb | 4.40 | 9.4 | 107 |
| Mar | 5.74 | 15.2 | 140 |
| Apr | 6.94 | 21.4 | 169 |
| May | 7.97 | 27.1 | 194 |
| Jun | 8.53 | 31.0 | 208 |
| Jul | 8.06 | 32.8 | 196 |
| Aug | 7.56 | 30.8 | 184 |
| Sep | 6.81 | 26.0 | 166 |
| Oct | 5.55 | 20.1 | 135 |
| Nov | 4.15 | 13.5 | 101 |
| Dec | 3.53 | 8.2 | 86 |
Solar potential of Kandahār explained
Kandahār receives an average of 6.07 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 1772 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Kandahār among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Kandahār?
With 6.07 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Kandahār produces roughly 1772 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 Kandahār?
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 →