Solar energy in Nakuru, Kenya
Average irradiation 5.68 kWh/m²/day · ~1659 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Nakuru (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6.21 | 16.1 | 151 |
| Feb | 6.61 | 16.9 | 161 |
| Mar | 6.42 | 17.3 | 156 |
| Apr | 5.66 | 16.4 | 138 |
| May | 5.54 | 15.4 | 135 |
| Jun | 5.02 | 14.7 | 122 |
| Jul | 4.88 | 14.2 | 119 |
| Aug | 5.16 | 14.4 | 126 |
| Sep | 5.93 | 15.2 | 144 |
| Oct | 5.77 | 15.7 | 140 |
| Nov | 5.28 | 15.7 | 128 |
| Dec | 5.68 | 15.7 | 138 |
Solar potential of Nakuru explained
Nakuru receives an average of 5.68 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 1659 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Nakuru among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Nakuru?
With 5.68 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Nakuru produces roughly 1659 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 Nakuru?
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 →