Solar energy in Lagos, Nigeria
Average irradiation 4.59 kWh/m²/day · ~1340 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Lagos (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.92 | 26.2 | 120 |
| Feb | 4.79 | 27.3 | 116 |
| Mar | 4.98 | 27.6 | 121 |
| Apr | 5.03 | 27.5 | 122 |
| May | 4.68 | 27.1 | 114 |
| Jun | 3.95 | 26.1 | 96 |
| Jul | 3.82 | 25.1 | 93 |
| Aug | 4.11 | 24.7 | 100 |
| Sep | 4.20 | 25.3 | 102 |
| Oct | 4.65 | 26.1 | 113 |
| Nov | 5.02 | 26.8 | 122 |
| Dec | 4.96 | 26.6 | 121 |
Solar potential of Lagos explained
Lagos receives an average of 4.59 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 1340 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Lagos among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Lagos?
With 4.59 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Lagos produces roughly 1340 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 Lagos?
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
Cairo (5.9) · Casablanca (5.3) · Nairobi (5.5) · Johannesburg (5.5) · Cape Town (5.3) · Kinshasa (4.6) · all cities →