Solar energy in Nairobi, Kenya
Average irradiation 5.82 kWh/m²/day · ~1699 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Nairobi (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6.54 | 20.5 | 159 |
| Feb | 6.86 | 21.4 | 167 |
| Mar | 6.66 | 21.6 | 162 |
| Apr | 5.81 | 20.5 | 141 |
| May | 5.26 | 19.3 | 128 |
| Jun | 4.74 | 18.7 | 115 |
| Jul | 4.85 | 18.7 | 118 |
| Aug | 5.17 | 19.2 | 126 |
| Sep | 6.06 | 20.3 | 147 |
| Oct | 6.10 | 20.8 | 148 |
| Nov | 5.75 | 20.2 | 140 |
| Dec | 6.10 | 20.0 | 148 |
Solar potential of Nairobi explained
Nairobi receives an average of 5.82 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 1699 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Nairobi among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Nairobi?
With 5.82 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Nairobi produces roughly 1699 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 Nairobi?
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) · Johannesburg (5.5) · Cape Town (5.3) · Kinshasa (4.6) · all cities →