Solar energy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Average irradiation 5.11 kWh/m²/day · ~1492 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Port Moresby (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5.39 | 28.1 | 131 |
| Feb | 5.45 | 27.9 | 133 |
| Mar | 5.18 | 27.8 | 126 |
| Apr | 4.98 | 27.8 | 121 |
| May | 4.53 | 27.4 | 110 |
| Jun | 4.15 | 26.6 | 101 |
| Jul | 4.33 | 25.9 | 105 |
| Aug | 4.73 | 25.7 | 115 |
| Sep | 5.08 | 26.2 | 124 |
| Oct | 5.81 | 26.9 | 141 |
| Nov | 5.84 | 27.7 | 142 |
| Dec | 5.88 | 28.4 | 143 |
Solar potential of Port Moresby explained
Port Moresby receives an average of 5.11 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 1492 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Port Moresby among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Port Moresby?
With 5.11 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Port Moresby produces roughly 1492 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 Moresby?
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%.
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