Solar energy in Lijiang, China
Average irradiation 4.7 kWh/m²/day · ~1372 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Lijiang (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.34 | 2.1 | 105 |
| Feb | 5.03 | 3.9 | 122 |
| Mar | 5.46 | 7.1 | 133 |
| Apr | 5.63 | 10.7 | 137 |
| May | 5.53 | 14.3 | 135 |
| Jun | 5.09 | 16.6 | 124 |
| Jul | 4.39 | 16.8 | 107 |
| Aug | 4.48 | 16.5 | 109 |
| Sep | 4.05 | 14.8 | 98 |
| Oct | 4.14 | 11.1 | 101 |
| Nov | 4.30 | 6.3 | 104 |
| Dec | 4.03 | 3.2 | 98 |
Solar potential of Lijiang explained
Lijiang receives an average of 4.7 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 1372 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Lijiang among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Lijiang?
With 4.7 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Lijiang produces roughly 1372 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 Lijiang?
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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