Solar energy in Karamay, China
Average irradiation 4.2 kWh/m²/day · ~1226 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Karamay (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.69 | -10.7 | 41 |
| Feb | 2.53 | -6.6 | 61 |
| Mar | 3.91 | 3.4 | 95 |
| Apr | 5.40 | 13.2 | 131 |
| May | 6.62 | 20.5 | 161 |
| Jun | 6.72 | 26.8 | 163 |
| Jul | 6.56 | 28.8 | 160 |
| Aug | 5.93 | 26.9 | 144 |
| Sep | 4.73 | 19.7 | 115 |
| Oct | 3.15 | 10.1 | 77 |
| Nov | 1.83 | 0.4 | 45 |
| Dec | 1.30 | -7.8 | 32 |
Solar potential of Karamay explained
Karamay receives an average of 4.2 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 1226 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This is a solid mid-range solar resource: production is meaningful year-round, though winter output drops noticeably.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Karamay?
With 4.2 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Karamay produces roughly 1226 kWh per year. That is a good solar resource; with current panel prices most systems pay back well within their lifetime.
How much electricity would a 5 kW system produce in Karamay?
Approximately 6,000 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 →