Solar energy in Manizales, Colombia
Average irradiation 4.79 kWh/m²/day · ~1399 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Manizales (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.69 | 16.1 | 114 |
| Feb | 4.78 | 16.5 | 116 |
| Mar | 4.60 | 16.5 | 112 |
| Apr | 4.55 | 16.4 | 111 |
| May | 4.71 | 16.3 | 115 |
| Jun | 4.90 | 15.9 | 119 |
| Jul | 5.15 | 15.7 | 125 |
| Aug | 5.21 | 15.8 | 127 |
| Sep | 5.16 | 15.9 | 125 |
| Oct | 4.72 | 15.8 | 115 |
| Nov | 4.46 | 15.8 | 108 |
| Dec | 4.50 | 15.9 | 109 |
Solar potential of Manizales explained
Manizales receives an average of 4.79 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 1399 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Manizales among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Manizales?
With 4.79 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Manizales produces roughly 1399 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 Manizales?
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
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