Solar energy in Kitwe, Zambia
Average irradiation 5.74 kWh/m²/day · ~1676 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Kitwe (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5.24 | 21.5 | 128 |
| Feb | 5.32 | 21.5 | 129 |
| Mar | 5.54 | 21.3 | 135 |
| Apr | 5.70 | 20.3 | 139 |
| May | 5.64 | 18.8 | 137 |
| Jun | 5.38 | 17.2 | 131 |
| Jul | 5.48 | 17.3 | 133 |
| Aug | 5.95 | 20.4 | 145 |
| Sep | 6.48 | 24.0 | 158 |
| Oct | 6.62 | 26.6 | 161 |
| Nov | 6.11 | 25.0 | 149 |
| Dec | 5.41 | 22.2 | 132 |
Solar potential of Kitwe explained
Kitwe receives an average of 5.74 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 1676 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Kitwe among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Kitwe?
With 5.74 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Kitwe produces roughly 1676 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 Kitwe?
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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Cairo (5.9) · Casablanca (5.3) · Lagos (4.6) · Nairobi (5.5) · Johannesburg (5.5) · Cape Town (5.3) · all cities →