Solar energy in Karbala, Iraq
Average irradiation 5.45 kWh/m²/day · ~1591 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Karbala (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3.17 | 9.1 | 77 |
| Feb | 4.13 | 11.8 | 100 |
| Mar | 5.32 | 17.2 | 129 |
| Apr | 6.14 | 22.8 | 149 |
| May | 7.06 | 29.4 | 172 |
| Jun | 7.98 | 34.1 | 194 |
| Jul | 7.60 | 36.5 | 185 |
| Aug | 7.07 | 36.4 | 172 |
| Sep | 6.09 | 32.4 | 148 |
| Oct | 4.54 | 26.3 | 110 |
| Nov | 3.44 | 16.7 | 84 |
| Dec | 2.91 | 10.8 | 71 |
Solar potential of Karbala explained
Karbala receives an average of 5.45 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 1591 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Karbala among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Karbala?
With 5.45 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Karbala produces roughly 1591 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 Karbala?
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%.
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