Solar energy in Richards Bay, South Africa
Average irradiation 4.76 kWh/m²/day · ~1390 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Richards Bay (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6.30 | 25.3 | 153 |
| Feb | 6.05 | 25.6 | 147 |
| Mar | 5.28 | 25.0 | 128 |
| Apr | 4.19 | 23.4 | 102 |
| May | 3.60 | 21.8 | 88 |
| Jun | 3.13 | 19.9 | 76 |
| Jul | 3.34 | 19.3 | 81 |
| Aug | 3.90 | 19.9 | 95 |
| Sep | 4.52 | 20.9 | 110 |
| Oct | 5.02 | 21.7 | 122 |
| Nov | 5.66 | 22.8 | 138 |
| Dec | 6.18 | 24.3 | 150 |
Solar potential of Richards Bay explained
Richards Bay receives an average of 4.76 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 1390 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Richards Bay among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Richards Bay?
With 4.76 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Richards Bay produces roughly 1390 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 Richards Bay?
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 →