Solar energy in Lanzhou, China
Average irradiation 4.51 kWh/m²/day · ~1317 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Lanzhou (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.94 | -6.0 | 72 |
| Feb | 3.78 | -2.5 | 92 |
| Mar | 4.78 | 2.6 | 116 |
| Apr | 5.64 | 8.8 | 137 |
| May | 6.03 | 13.7 | 147 |
| Jun | 5.98 | 18.3 | 145 |
| Jul | 5.77 | 20.4 | 140 |
| Aug | 5.28 | 19.1 | 128 |
| Sep | 4.21 | 14.1 | 103 |
| Oct | 3.76 | 7.9 | 92 |
| Nov | 3.18 | 0.9 | 77 |
| Dec | 2.79 | -4.8 | 68 |
Solar potential of Lanzhou explained
Lanzhou receives an average of 4.51 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 1317 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Lanzhou among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Lanzhou?
With 4.51 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Lanzhou produces roughly 1317 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 Lanzhou?
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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