Solar energy in Maputo, Mozambique
Average irradiation 5.02 kWh/m²/day · ~1466 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Maputo (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6.21 | 26.3 | 151 |
| Feb | 6.11 | 26.4 | 148 |
| Mar | 5.40 | 25.8 | 131 |
| Apr | 4.51 | 23.7 | 110 |
| May | 4.06 | 21.6 | 99 |
| Jun | 3.61 | 19.7 | 88 |
| Jul | 3.77 | 19.2 | 92 |
| Aug | 4.36 | 20.6 | 106 |
| Sep | 4.99 | 22.5 | 121 |
| Oct | 5.30 | 23.7 | 129 |
| Nov | 5.80 | 24.8 | 141 |
| Dec | 6.17 | 26.0 | 150 |
Solar potential of Maputo explained
Maputo receives an average of 5.02 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 1466 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Maputo among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Maputo?
With 5.02 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Maputo produces roughly 1466 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 Maputo?
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
Cairo (5.9) · Casablanca (5.3) · Lagos (4.6) · Nairobi (5.5) · Johannesburg (5.5) · Cape Town (5.3) · all cities →