Solar energy in Managua, Nicaragua
Average irradiation 5.58 kWh/m²/day · ~1629 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Managua (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5.39 | 27.0 | 131 |
| Feb | 6.02 | 28.0 | 146 |
| Mar | 6.59 | 29.1 | 160 |
| Apr | 6.37 | 30.2 | 155 |
| May | 5.42 | 28.9 | 132 |
| Jun | 5.30 | 27.2 | 129 |
| Jul | 5.44 | 27.2 | 132 |
| Aug | 5.62 | 27.5 | 137 |
| Sep | 5.49 | 27.0 | 133 |
| Oct | 5.02 | 26.4 | 122 |
| Nov | 5.15 | 26.0 | 125 |
| Dec | 5.12 | 26.3 | 124 |
Solar potential of Managua explained
Managua receives an average of 5.58 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 1629 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Managua among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Managua?
With 5.58 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Managua produces roughly 1629 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 Managua?
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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