Solar energy in Mbeya, Tanzania
Average irradiation 6.01 kWh/m²/day · ~1755 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Mbeya (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5.24 | 17.4 | 127 |
| Feb | 5.65 | 17.6 | 137 |
| Mar | 5.77 | 17.6 | 140 |
| Apr | 5.74 | 17.2 | 140 |
| May | 5.74 | 15.6 | 140 |
| Jun | 5.77 | 13.5 | 140 |
| Jul | 5.93 | 12.9 | 144 |
| Aug | 6.39 | 14.3 | 155 |
| Sep | 6.87 | 16.4 | 167 |
| Oct | 6.95 | 18.4 | 169 |
| Nov | 6.43 | 18.8 | 156 |
| Dec | 5.63 | 18.0 | 137 |
Solar potential of Mbeya explained
Mbeya receives an average of 6.01 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 1755 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Mbeya among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Mbeya?
With 6.01 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Mbeya produces roughly 1755 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 Mbeya?
Approximately 9,000 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 →