Solar energy in Pyongyang, North Korea
Average irradiation 3.9 kWh/m²/day · ~1139 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Pyongyang (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.31 | -5.8 | 56 |
| Feb | 3.08 | -2.9 | 75 |
| Mar | 4.32 | 2.5 | 105 |
| Apr | 5.09 | 9.4 | 124 |
| May | 5.64 | 16.3 | 137 |
| Jun | 5.28 | 21.6 | 128 |
| Jul | 4.34 | 24.3 | 105 |
| Aug | 4.51 | 24.2 | 110 |
| Sep | 4.40 | 19.4 | 107 |
| Oct | 3.46 | 12.5 | 84 |
| Nov | 2.36 | 4.3 | 57 |
| Dec | 2.01 | -3.5 | 49 |
Solar potential of Pyongyang explained
Pyongyang receives an average of 3.9 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 1139 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 Pyongyang?
With 3.9 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Pyongyang produces roughly 1139 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 Pyongyang?
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%.
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