Solar energy in Kigali, Rwanda
Average irradiation 4.97 kWh/m²/day · ~1451 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Kigali (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5.02 | 20.3 | 122 |
| Feb | 5.21 | 20.8 | 127 |
| Mar | 4.99 | 20.3 | 121 |
| Apr | 4.79 | 19.5 | 116 |
| May | 4.83 | 19.2 | 117 |
| Jun | 4.98 | 18.8 | 121 |
| Jul | 5.20 | 19.0 | 126 |
| Aug | 5.04 | 20.1 | 123 |
| Sep | 5.14 | 20.5 | 125 |
| Oct | 4.99 | 20.1 | 121 |
| Nov | 4.73 | 19.4 | 115 |
| Dec | 4.79 | 19.7 | 116 |
Solar potential of Kigali explained
Kigali receives an average of 4.97 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 1451 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Kigali among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Kigali?
With 4.97 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Kigali produces roughly 1451 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 Kigali?
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%.
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Cairo (5.9) · Casablanca (5.3) · Lagos (4.6) · Nairobi (5.5) · Johannesburg (5.5) · Cape Town (5.3) · all cities →