Solar energy in Masina, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Average irradiation 4.5 kWh/m²/day · ~1314 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Masina (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.79 | 24.9 | 116 |
| Feb | 4.79 | 25.2 | 116 |
| Mar | 5.11 | 25.3 | 124 |
| Apr | 4.92 | 25.3 | 120 |
| May | 4.40 | 25.0 | 107 |
| Jun | 3.98 | 23.8 | 97 |
| Jul | 4.06 | 23.6 | 99 |
| Aug | 4.17 | 24.7 | 101 |
| Sep | 4.37 | 25.7 | 106 |
| Oct | 4.35 | 25.4 | 106 |
| Nov | 4.60 | 24.7 | 112 |
| Dec | 4.47 | 24.6 | 109 |
Solar potential of Masina explained
Masina receives an average of 4.5 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 1314 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Masina among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Masina?
With 4.5 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Masina produces roughly 1314 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 Masina?
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%.
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