Solar energy in Pretoria, South Africa
Average irradiation 5.68 kWh/m²/day · ~1659 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Pretoria (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6.76 | 24.3 | 164 |
| Feb | 6.41 | 24.1 | 156 |
| Mar | 5.73 | 22.5 | 139 |
| Apr | 4.85 | 19.4 | 118 |
| May | 4.48 | 16.0 | 109 |
| Jun | 4.08 | 12.7 | 99 |
| Jul | 4.40 | 12.6 | 107 |
| Aug | 5.14 | 15.9 | 125 |
| Sep | 6.12 | 20.1 | 149 |
| Oct | 6.61 | 22.7 | 161 |
| Nov | 6.82 | 23.5 | 166 |
| Dec | 6.77 | 24.2 | 165 |
Solar potential of Pretoria explained
Pretoria receives an average of 5.68 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 1659 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Pretoria among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Pretoria?
With 5.68 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Pretoria produces roughly 1659 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 Pretoria?
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
Cairo (5.9) · Casablanca (5.3) · Lagos (4.6) · Nairobi (5.5) · Johannesburg (5.5) · Cape Town (5.3) · all cities →