Solar energy in Popayán, Colombia
Average irradiation 4.09 kWh/m²/day · ~1194 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Popayán (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.31 | 18.5 | 105 |
| Feb | 4.16 | 18.7 | 101 |
| Mar | 3.96 | 18.7 | 96 |
| Apr | 4.08 | 18.8 | 99 |
| May | 3.97 | 18.8 | 97 |
| Jun | 3.95 | 18.7 | 96 |
| Jul | 4.05 | 18.8 | 98 |
| Aug | 4.10 | 19.1 | 100 |
| Sep | 4.32 | 19.1 | 105 |
| Oct | 4.20 | 18.5 | 102 |
| Nov | 4.00 | 18.2 | 97 |
| Dec | 4.02 | 18.2 | 98 |
Solar potential of Popayán explained
Popayán receives an average of 4.09 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 1194 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This is a solid mid-range solar resource: production is meaningful year-round, though winter output drops noticeably.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Popayán?
With 4.09 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Popayán produces roughly 1194 kWh per year. That is a good solar resource; with current panel prices most systems pay back well within their lifetime.
How much electricity would a 5 kW system produce in Popayán?
Approximately 6,000 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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