Solar energy in Karaj, Iran
Average irradiation 5.24 kWh/m²/day · ~1530 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Karaj (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.76 | -6.2 | 67 |
| Feb | 3.63 | -4.5 | 88 |
| Mar | 4.77 | 0.9 | 116 |
| Apr | 5.70 | 5.9 | 139 |
| May | 6.91 | 11.8 | 168 |
| Jun | 8.05 | 17.5 | 196 |
| Jul | 7.76 | 20.5 | 189 |
| Aug | 7.25 | 19.6 | 176 |
| Sep | 6.09 | 15.2 | 148 |
| Oct | 4.43 | 8.8 | 108 |
| Nov | 3.03 | 0.7 | 74 |
| Dec | 2.50 | -4.1 | 61 |
Solar potential of Karaj explained
Karaj receives an average of 5.24 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 1530 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Karaj among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Karaj?
With 5.24 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Karaj produces roughly 1530 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 Karaj?
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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