Solar energy in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Average irradiation 4.98 kWh/m²/day · ~1454 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Kota Kinabalu (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.34 | 24.0 | 106 |
| Feb | 4.90 | 23.9 | 119 |
| Mar | 5.29 | 24.5 | 129 |
| Apr | 5.48 | 25.4 | 133 |
| May | 5.29 | 25.4 | 129 |
| Jun | 5.12 | 25.0 | 125 |
| Jul | 5.09 | 24.6 | 124 |
| Aug | 5.27 | 24.6 | 128 |
| Sep | 5.16 | 24.6 | 126 |
| Oct | 4.82 | 24.5 | 117 |
| Nov | 4.68 | 24.6 | 114 |
| Dec | 4.36 | 24.5 | 106 |
Solar potential of Kota Kinabalu explained
Kota Kinabalu receives an average of 4.98 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 1454 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Kota Kinabalu among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Kota Kinabalu?
With 4.98 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Kota Kinabalu produces roughly 1454 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 Kinabalu?
Approximately 7,000 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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