Solar energy in Likasi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Average irradiation 5.53 kWh/m²/day · ~1615 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Likasi (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.89 | 21.4 | 119 |
| Feb | 5.17 | 21.7 | 126 |
| Mar | 5.37 | 21.6 | 130 |
| Apr | 5.64 | 21.0 | 137 |
| May | 5.76 | 19.7 | 140 |
| Jun | 5.57 | 18.1 | 135 |
| Jul | 5.67 | 18.3 | 138 |
| Aug | 5.86 | 21.3 | 143 |
| Sep | 6.05 | 24.8 | 147 |
| Oct | 5.89 | 26.2 | 143 |
| Nov | 5.43 | 24.0 | 132 |
| Dec | 5.02 | 22.0 | 122 |
Solar potential of Likasi explained
Likasi receives an average of 5.53 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 1615 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Likasi among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Likasi?
With 5.53 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Likasi produces roughly 1615 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 Likasi?
Approximately 8,000 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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Cairo (5.9) · Casablanca (5.3) · Lagos (4.6) · Nairobi (5.5) · Johannesburg (5.5) · Cape Town (5.3) · all cities →