Solar energy in Karachi, Pakistan
Average irradiation 5.61 kWh/m²/day · ~1638 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Karachi (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.38 | 19.6 | 107 |
| Feb | 5.35 | 21.3 | 130 |
| Mar | 6.34 | 24.6 | 154 |
| Apr | 7.00 | 27.6 | 170 |
| May | 7.15 | 29.6 | 174 |
| Jun | 6.54 | 30.5 | 159 |
| Jul | 5.28 | 29.7 | 128 |
| Aug | 5.21 | 28.5 | 127 |
| Sep | 5.79 | 28.1 | 141 |
| Oct | 5.58 | 27.6 | 136 |
| Nov | 4.62 | 25.0 | 112 |
| Dec | 4.13 | 21.2 | 100 |
Solar potential of Karachi explained
Karachi receives an average of 5.61 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 1638 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Karachi among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Karachi?
With 5.61 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Karachi produces roughly 1638 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 Karachi?
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
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