Solar energy in Maracaibo, Venezuela
Average irradiation 5.52 kWh/m²/day · ~1612 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Maracaibo (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5.54 | 27.8 | 135 |
| Feb | 6.02 | 28.3 | 146 |
| Mar | 5.89 | 28.9 | 143 |
| Apr | 5.51 | 29.4 | 134 |
| May | 5.30 | 29.6 | 129 |
| Jun | 5.57 | 30.1 | 136 |
| Jul | 5.82 | 30.3 | 142 |
| Aug | 5.82 | 30.4 | 141 |
| Sep | 5.63 | 29.7 | 137 |
| Oct | 5.15 | 28.6 | 125 |
| Nov | 4.86 | 27.9 | 118 |
| Dec | 5.14 | 27.8 | 125 |
Solar potential of Maracaibo explained
Maracaibo receives an average of 5.52 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 1612 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Maracaibo among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Maracaibo?
With 5.52 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Maracaibo produces roughly 1612 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 Maracaibo?
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
São Paulo (4.5) · Rio de Janeiro (4.8) · Buenos Aires (4.6) · Santiago (5) · Bogotá (4.4) · Lima (5.1) · all cities →