Solar energy in Lima, Peru
Average irradiation 4.93 kWh/m²/day · ~1440 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Lima (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6.58 | 19.4 | 160 |
| Feb | 6.57 | 20.0 | 160 |
| Mar | 6.36 | 20.1 | 155 |
| Apr | 5.85 | 19.3 | 142 |
| May | 4.39 | 18.1 | 107 |
| Jun | 3.07 | 17.2 | 75 |
| Jul | 2.72 | 16.7 | 66 |
| Aug | 3.14 | 16.9 | 76 |
| Sep | 3.85 | 17.3 | 94 |
| Oct | 4.96 | 17.4 | 121 |
| Nov | 5.65 | 17.8 | 138 |
| Dec | 5.98 | 18.5 | 146 |
Solar potential of Lima explained
Lima receives an average of 4.93 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 1440 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Lima among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Lima?
With 4.93 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Lima produces roughly 1440 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 Lima?
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
São Paulo (4.5) · Rio de Janeiro (4.8) · Buenos Aires (4.6) · Santiago (5) · Bogotá (4.4) · Caracas (5) · all cities →