Solar energy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Average irradiation 6.2 kWh/m²/day · ~1810 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Riyadh (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.44 | 13.8 | 108 |
| Feb | 5.29 | 16.6 | 129 |
| Mar | 6.18 | 21.2 | 150 |
| Apr | 6.71 | 26.5 | 163 |
| May | 7.40 | 32.0 | 180 |
| Jun | 7.98 | 34.5 | 194 |
| Jul | 7.70 | 36.0 | 187 |
| Aug | 7.31 | 35.7 | 178 |
| Sep | 6.77 | 32.4 | 165 |
| Oct | 5.89 | 27.1 | 143 |
| Nov | 4.58 | 20.4 | 111 |
| Dec | 4.18 | 15.1 | 102 |
Solar potential of Riyadh explained
Riyadh receives an average of 6.2 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 1810 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Riyadh among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Riyadh?
With 6.2 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Riyadh produces roughly 1810 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 Riyadh?
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
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