Solar energy in Kunming, China
Average irradiation 4.47 kWh/m²/day · ~1305 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Kunming (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.00 | 7.7 | 97 |
| Feb | 4.94 | 10.1 | 120 |
| Mar | 5.46 | 13.4 | 133 |
| Apr | 5.77 | 16.8 | 140 |
| May | 5.42 | 19.4 | 132 |
| Jun | 4.66 | 20.9 | 113 |
| Jul | 4.30 | 20.6 | 105 |
| Aug | 4.47 | 20.3 | 109 |
| Sep | 3.78 | 18.8 | 92 |
| Oct | 3.54 | 15.8 | 86 |
| Nov | 3.83 | 11.7 | 93 |
| Dec | 3.46 | 8.2 | 84 |
Solar potential of Kunming explained
Kunming receives an average of 4.47 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 1305 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This is a solid mid-range solar resource: production is meaningful year-round, though winter output drops noticeably.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Kunming?
With 4.47 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Kunming produces roughly 1305 kWh per year. That is a good solar resource; with current panel prices most systems pay back well within their lifetime.
How much electricity would a 5 kW system produce in Kunming?
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%.
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