Solar energy in Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Average irradiation 5.41 kWh/m²/day · ~1580 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Kolwezi (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.77 | 20.4 | 116 |
| Feb | 4.96 | 20.8 | 121 |
| Mar | 5.16 | 20.8 | 126 |
| Apr | 5.58 | 20.4 | 136 |
| May | 5.78 | 19.3 | 141 |
| Jun | 5.60 | 18.0 | 136 |
| Jul | 5.68 | 18.2 | 138 |
| Aug | 5.79 | 21.2 | 141 |
| Sep | 5.88 | 24.2 | 143 |
| Oct | 5.67 | 24.2 | 138 |
| Nov | 5.13 | 22.0 | 125 |
| Dec | 4.85 | 20.8 | 118 |
Solar potential of Kolwezi explained
Kolwezi receives an average of 5.41 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 1580 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Kolwezi among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Kolwezi?
With 5.41 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Kolwezi produces roughly 1580 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 Kolwezi?
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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