Solar energy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Average irradiation 5.22 kWh/m²/day · ~1524 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Phnom Penh (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5.18 | 27.7 | 126 |
| Feb | 5.56 | 29.7 | 135 |
| Mar | 5.64 | 31.2 | 137 |
| Apr | 5.66 | 31.3 | 138 |
| May | 5.56 | 29.6 | 135 |
| Jun | 5.29 | 28.1 | 129 |
| Jul | 5.02 | 27.4 | 122 |
| Aug | 4.93 | 27.2 | 120 |
| Sep | 4.81 | 27.0 | 117 |
| Oct | 4.90 | 26.9 | 119 |
| Nov | 5.03 | 26.8 | 122 |
| Dec | 5.05 | 26.7 | 123 |
Solar potential of Phnom Penh explained
Phnom Penh receives an average of 5.22 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 1524 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Phnom Penh among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Phnom Penh?
With 5.22 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Phnom Penh produces roughly 1524 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 Phnom Penh?
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
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