Solar energy in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Average irradiation 5.72 kWh/m²/day · ~1670 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Lubumbashi (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5.13 | 21.1 | 125 |
| Feb | 5.26 | 21.2 | 128 |
| Mar | 5.48 | 21.2 | 133 |
| Apr | 5.64 | 20.1 | 137 |
| May | 5.74 | 18.4 | 140 |
| Jun | 5.56 | 16.7 | 135 |
| Jul | 5.70 | 16.8 | 139 |
| Aug | 6.10 | 19.7 | 148 |
| Sep | 6.49 | 23.4 | 158 |
| Oct | 6.45 | 25.7 | 157 |
| Nov | 5.84 | 23.8 | 142 |
| Dec | 5.21 | 21.6 | 127 |
Solar potential of Lubumbashi explained
Lubumbashi receives an average of 5.72 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 1670 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Lubumbashi among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Lubumbashi?
With 5.72 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Lubumbashi produces roughly 1670 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 Lubumbashi?
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%.
Compare with nearby cities
Cairo (5.9) · Casablanca (5.3) · Lagos (4.6) · Nairobi (5.5) · Johannesburg (5.5) · Cape Town (5.3) · all cities →