Solar energy in São Luís, Brazil
Average irradiation 5.22 kWh/m²/day · ~1524 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in São Luís (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.91 | 27.1 | 119 |
| Feb | 4.75 | 26.6 | 116 |
| Mar | 4.68 | 26.4 | 114 |
| Apr | 4.62 | 26.4 | 112 |
| May | 4.75 | 26.7 | 116 |
| Jun | 4.98 | 26.6 | 121 |
| Jul | 5.24 | 26.6 | 127 |
| Aug | 5.79 | 27.5 | 141 |
| Sep | 6.05 | 28.0 | 147 |
| Oct | 5.97 | 28.2 | 145 |
| Nov | 5.67 | 28.3 | 138 |
| Dec | 5.28 | 28.0 | 128 |
Solar potential of São Luís explained
São Luís receives an average of 5.22 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 1524 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places São Luís among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in São Luís?
With 5.22 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in São Luís produces roughly 1524 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 São Luís?
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 →