Solar energy in Recife, Brazil
Average irradiation 6.05 kWh/m²/day · ~1767 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Recife (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6.64 | 27.1 | 161 |
| Feb | 6.58 | 27.3 | 160 |
| Mar | 6.42 | 27.4 | 156 |
| Apr | 5.83 | 27.0 | 142 |
| May | 5.06 | 26.2 | 123 |
| Jun | 4.66 | 25.1 | 113 |
| Jul | 4.92 | 24.3 | 120 |
| Aug | 5.66 | 24.1 | 138 |
| Sep | 6.32 | 24.7 | 154 |
| Oct | 6.73 | 25.8 | 164 |
| Nov | 6.99 | 26.6 | 170 |
| Dec | 6.83 | 27.1 | 166 |
Solar potential of Recife explained
Recife receives an average of 6.05 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 1767 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Recife among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Recife?
With 6.05 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Recife produces roughly 1767 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 Recife?
Approximately 9,000 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
São Paulo (4.5) · Rio de Janeiro (4.8) · Buenos Aires (4.6) · Santiago (5) · Bogotá (4.4) · Lima (5.1) · all cities →