Solar energy in Newcastle, South Africa
Average irradiation 5.46 kWh/m²/day · ~1594 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Newcastle (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6.63 | 21.9 | 161 |
| Feb | 6.35 | 21.5 | 154 |
| Mar | 5.57 | 20.0 | 136 |
| Apr | 4.68 | 16.9 | 114 |
| May | 4.22 | 14.1 | 103 |
| Jun | 3.84 | 10.9 | 93 |
| Jul | 4.15 | 10.8 | 101 |
| Aug | 4.85 | 13.8 | 118 |
| Sep | 5.79 | 17.4 | 141 |
| Oct | 6.14 | 19.4 | 149 |
| Nov | 6.60 | 20.6 | 161 |
| Dec | 6.74 | 21.8 | 164 |
Solar potential of Newcastle explained
Newcastle receives an average of 5.46 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 1594 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Newcastle among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Newcastle?
With 5.46 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Newcastle produces roughly 1594 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 Newcastle?
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 →