Solar energy in Kingston, Jamaica
Average irradiation 5.57 kWh/m²/day · ~1626 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Kingston (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.63 | 25.5 | 113 |
| Feb | 5.43 | 25.6 | 132 |
| Mar | 6.09 | 26.1 | 148 |
| Apr | 6.46 | 27.0 | 157 |
| May | 6.10 | 27.4 | 148 |
| Jun | 6.10 | 27.5 | 148 |
| Jul | 6.37 | 27.8 | 155 |
| Aug | 6.13 | 28.1 | 149 |
| Sep | 5.77 | 28.0 | 140 |
| Oct | 4.91 | 27.5 | 119 |
| Nov | 4.54 | 26.8 | 110 |
| Dec | 4.34 | 26.1 | 105 |
Solar potential of Kingston explained
Kingston receives an average of 5.57 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 1626 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Kingston among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Kingston?
With 5.57 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Kingston produces roughly 1626 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 Kingston?
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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