Solar energy in Kathmandu, Nepal
Average irradiation 4.8 kWh/m²/day · ~1402 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Kathmandu (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3.83 | 11.1 | 93 |
| Feb | 4.61 | 13.8 | 112 |
| Mar | 5.66 | 18.1 | 138 |
| Apr | 6.19 | 22.4 | 151 |
| May | 6.04 | 24.2 | 147 |
| Jun | 5.27 | 24.8 | 128 |
| Jul | 4.36 | 23.3 | 106 |
| Aug | 4.56 | 22.8 | 111 |
| Sep | 4.37 | 21.6 | 106 |
| Oct | 4.73 | 19.0 | 115 |
| Nov | 4.26 | 15.5 | 103 |
| Dec | 3.77 | 12.3 | 92 |
Solar potential of Kathmandu explained
Kathmandu receives an average of 4.8 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 1402 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Kathmandu among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Kathmandu?
With 4.8 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Kathmandu produces roughly 1402 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 Kathmandu?
Approximately 7,000 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 →