Solar energy in Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Average irradiation 4.99 kWh/m²/day · ~1457 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Port Elizabeth (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6.91 | 21.9 | 168 |
| Feb | 6.23 | 22.2 | 151 |
| Mar | 5.31 | 21.3 | 129 |
| Apr | 4.05 | 19.6 | 99 |
| May | 3.15 | 18.1 | 77 |
| Jun | 2.78 | 16.3 | 68 |
| Jul | 3.01 | 15.8 | 73 |
| Aug | 3.79 | 16.0 | 92 |
| Sep | 4.93 | 16.9 | 120 |
| Oct | 5.83 | 18.1 | 142 |
| Nov | 6.75 | 19.1 | 164 |
| Dec | 7.17 | 20.7 | 174 |
Solar potential of Port Elizabeth explained
Port Elizabeth receives an average of 4.99 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 1457 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Port Elizabeth among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Port Elizabeth?
With 4.99 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Port Elizabeth produces roughly 1457 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 Port Elizabeth?
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 →