Solar energy in Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Average irradiation 5.12 kWh/m²/day · ~1495 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Mbuji-Mayi (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.87 | 25.0 | 118 |
| Feb | 5.15 | 25.6 | 125 |
| Mar | 5.35 | 25.5 | 130 |
| Apr | 5.43 | 25.4 | 132 |
| May | 5.37 | 25.7 | 131 |
| Jun | 5.17 | 25.6 | 126 |
| Jul | 5.01 | 26.3 | 122 |
| Aug | 4.70 | 27.8 | 114 |
| Sep | 4.99 | 26.8 | 121 |
| Oct | 5.27 | 25.6 | 128 |
| Nov | 5.24 | 24.9 | 127 |
| Dec | 4.93 | 24.8 | 120 |
Solar potential of Mbuji-Mayi explained
Mbuji-Mayi receives an average of 5.12 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 1495 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Mbuji-Mayi among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Mbuji-Mayi?
With 5.12 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Mbuji-Mayi produces roughly 1495 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 Mbuji-Mayi?
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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