Solar energy in Mendoza, Argentina
Average irradiation 5.58 kWh/m²/day · ~1629 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Mendoza (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7.82 | 25.5 | 190 |
| Feb | 6.88 | 24.0 | 167 |
| Mar | 5.71 | 21.2 | 139 |
| Apr | 4.42 | 16.4 | 107 |
| May | 3.25 | 11.8 | 79 |
| Jun | 3.00 | 8.6 | 73 |
| Jul | 3.26 | 8.0 | 79 |
| Aug | 4.25 | 10.4 | 103 |
| Sep | 5.51 | 13.7 | 134 |
| Oct | 6.78 | 17.9 | 165 |
| Nov | 7.88 | 21.6 | 192 |
| Dec | 8.27 | 24.2 | 201 |
Solar potential of Mendoza explained
Mendoza receives an average of 5.58 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 1629 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Mendoza among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Mendoza?
With 5.58 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Mendoza produces roughly 1629 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 Mendoza?
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 →