Solar energy in Kuching, Malaysia
Average irradiation 4.72 kWh/m²/day · ~1378 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Kuching (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.15 | 25.9 | 101 |
| Feb | 4.47 | 25.9 | 109 |
| Mar | 5.03 | 26.5 | 122 |
| Apr | 5.13 | 27.1 | 125 |
| May | 4.98 | 27.5 | 121 |
| Jun | 4.84 | 27.2 | 118 |
| Jul | 4.96 | 26.9 | 121 |
| Aug | 4.96 | 27.0 | 121 |
| Sep | 4.61 | 26.9 | 112 |
| Oct | 4.55 | 26.7 | 111 |
| Nov | 4.62 | 26.5 | 112 |
| Dec | 4.35 | 26.3 | 106 |
Solar potential of Kuching explained
Kuching receives an average of 4.72 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 1378 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Kuching among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Kuching?
With 4.72 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Kuching produces roughly 1378 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 Kuching?
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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