Solar energy in Sanaa, Yemen
Average irradiation 6.48 kWh/m²/day · ~1892 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Sanaa (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5.78 | 14.4 | 141 |
| Feb | 6.37 | 16.2 | 155 |
| Mar | 6.80 | 18.2 | 165 |
| Apr | 6.93 | 19.6 | 169 |
| May | 7.18 | 21.3 | 175 |
| Jun | 7.01 | 22.7 | 171 |
| Jul | 6.27 | 22.8 | 153 |
| Aug | 6.35 | 22.4 | 154 |
| Sep | 6.75 | 20.6 | 164 |
| Oct | 6.74 | 16.5 | 164 |
| Nov | 6.00 | 14.7 | 146 |
| Dec | 5.63 | 13.4 | 137 |
Solar potential of Sanaa explained
Sanaa receives an average of 6.48 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 1892 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Sanaa among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Sanaa?
With 6.48 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Sanaa produces roughly 1892 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 Sanaa?
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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