Solar energy in Mazār-e Sharīf, Afghanistan
Average irradiation 5.15 kWh/m²/day · ~1504 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Mazār-e Sharīf (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.34 | 3.5 | 57 |
| Feb | 3.14 | 5.4 | 76 |
| Mar | 4.48 | 11.5 | 109 |
| Apr | 5.70 | 17.0 | 139 |
| May | 7.18 | 23.0 | 175 |
| Jun | 8.04 | 27.6 | 196 |
| Jul | 7.93 | 29.5 | 193 |
| Aug | 7.26 | 27.5 | 177 |
| Sep | 6.18 | 22.5 | 150 |
| Oct | 4.50 | 16.2 | 109 |
| Nov | 2.88 | 9.2 | 70 |
| Dec | 2.21 | 4.6 | 54 |
Solar potential of Mazār-e Sharīf explained
Mazār-e Sharīf receives an average of 5.15 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 1504 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Mazār-e Sharīf among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Mazār-e Sharīf?
With 5.15 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Mazār-e Sharīf produces roughly 1504 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 Mazār-e Sharīf?
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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