Solar energy in Salem, India
Average irradiation 5.45 kWh/m²/day · ~1591 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Salem (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5.16 | 23.6 | 125 |
| Feb | 6.06 | 26.0 | 147 |
| Mar | 6.42 | 29.2 | 156 |
| Apr | 6.48 | 31.1 | 158 |
| May | 6.05 | 30.0 | 147 |
| Jun | 5.60 | 28.3 | 136 |
| Jul | 5.30 | 27.9 | 129 |
| Aug | 5.42 | 27.6 | 132 |
| Sep | 5.48 | 27.1 | 133 |
| Oct | 4.84 | 26.0 | 118 |
| Nov | 4.26 | 24.0 | 104 |
| Dec | 4.29 | 23.0 | 104 |
Solar potential of Salem explained
Salem receives an average of 5.45 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 1591 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Salem among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Salem?
With 5.45 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Salem produces roughly 1591 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 Salem?
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%.
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