Solar energy in Santa Marta, Colombia
Average irradiation 5.72 kWh/m²/day · ~1670 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Santa Marta (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5.66 | 26.6 | 138 |
| Feb | 6.15 | 27.1 | 150 |
| Mar | 6.34 | 27.4 | 154 |
| Apr | 6.15 | 27.7 | 150 |
| May | 5.63 | 27.6 | 137 |
| Jun | 5.76 | 27.8 | 140 |
| Jul | 5.97 | 27.8 | 145 |
| Aug | 5.95 | 27.8 | 145 |
| Sep | 5.70 | 27.4 | 139 |
| Oct | 5.17 | 26.8 | 126 |
| Nov | 4.92 | 26.7 | 120 |
| Dec | 5.20 | 26.7 | 126 |
Solar potential of Santa Marta explained
Santa Marta receives an average of 5.72 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 1670 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Santa Marta among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Santa Marta?
With 5.72 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Santa Marta produces roughly 1670 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 Santa Marta?
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%.
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 →