Solar energy in Onitsha, Nigeria
Average irradiation 4.57 kWh/m²/day · ~1334 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Onitsha (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.96 | 24.4 | 121 |
| Feb | 4.70 | 26.2 | 114 |
| Mar | 4.81 | 26.8 | 117 |
| Apr | 4.87 | 26.8 | 118 |
| May | 4.77 | 26.4 | 116 |
| Jun | 4.34 | 25.5 | 106 |
| Jul | 3.91 | 24.9 | 95 |
| Aug | 3.85 | 24.8 | 94 |
| Sep | 4.12 | 25.0 | 100 |
| Oct | 4.56 | 25.4 | 111 |
| Nov | 4.97 | 25.9 | 121 |
| Dec | 4.98 | 24.9 | 121 |
Solar potential of Onitsha explained
Onitsha receives an average of 4.57 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 1334 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Onitsha among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Onitsha?
With 4.57 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Onitsha produces roughly 1334 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 Onitsha?
Approximately 7,000 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 →