Solar energy in Mombasa, Kenya
Average irradiation 5.69 kWh/m²/day · ~1661 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Mombasa (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6.18 | 27.9 | 150 |
| Feb | 6.37 | 28.4 | 155 |
| Mar | 6.21 | 28.2 | 151 |
| Apr | 5.40 | 26.9 | 131 |
| May | 4.71 | 25.5 | 114 |
| Jun | 4.69 | 24.3 | 114 |
| Jul | 4.86 | 23.9 | 118 |
| Aug | 5.28 | 24.3 | 128 |
| Sep | 5.92 | 25.2 | 144 |
| Oct | 6.16 | 26.1 | 150 |
| Nov | 6.25 | 26.6 | 152 |
| Dec | 6.26 | 27.4 | 152 |
Solar potential of Mombasa explained
Mombasa receives an average of 5.69 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 1661 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Mombasa among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Mombasa?
With 5.69 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Mombasa produces roughly 1661 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 Mombasa?
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
Cairo (5.9) · Casablanca (5.3) · Lagos (4.6) · Nairobi (5.5) · Johannesburg (5.5) · Cape Town (5.3) · all cities →