Solar energy in Kirkuk, Iraq
Average irradiation 5.22 kWh/m²/day · ~1524 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Kirkuk (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.62 | 7.0 | 64 |
| Feb | 3.50 | 8.9 | 85 |
| Mar | 4.78 | 13.7 | 116 |
| Apr | 5.75 | 19.1 | 140 |
| May | 6.96 | 25.7 | 169 |
| Jun | 8.19 | 32.1 | 199 |
| Jul | 7.81 | 35.5 | 190 |
| Aug | 7.15 | 35.1 | 174 |
| Sep | 6.02 | 30.4 | 146 |
| Oct | 4.30 | 23.9 | 105 |
| Nov | 3.13 | 14.4 | 76 |
| Dec | 2.43 | 9.0 | 59 |
Solar potential of Kirkuk explained
Kirkuk receives an average of 5.22 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 1524 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Kirkuk among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Kirkuk?
With 5.22 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Kirkuk produces roughly 1524 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 Kirkuk?
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%.
Compare with nearby cities
Dubai (5.9) · Riyadh (6) · Doha (5.8) · Tel Aviv (5.4) · Amman (5.6) · Tokyo (3.6) · all cities →