Solar energy in Kota Bharu, Malaysia
Average irradiation 5.14 kWh/m²/day · ~1501 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Kota Bharu (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.78 | 25.7 | 116 |
| Feb | 5.77 | 25.9 | 140 |
| Mar | 6.05 | 26.9 | 147 |
| Apr | 6.02 | 28.1 | 147 |
| May | 5.42 | 28.7 | 132 |
| Jun | 5.14 | 28.4 | 125 |
| Jul | 5.14 | 28.2 | 125 |
| Aug | 5.30 | 28.1 | 129 |
| Sep | 5.31 | 27.8 | 129 |
| Oct | 4.66 | 27.4 | 113 |
| Nov | 4.06 | 26.9 | 99 |
| Dec | 4.06 | 26.3 | 99 |
Solar potential of Kota Bharu explained
Kota Bharu receives an average of 5.14 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 1501 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Kota Bharu among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Kota Bharu?
With 5.14 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Kota Bharu produces roughly 1501 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 Kota Bharu?
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
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