Solar energy in São Paulo, Brazil
Average irradiation 4.53 kWh/m²/day · ~1323 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in São Paulo (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5.23 | 22.3 | 127 |
| Feb | 5.44 | 22.4 | 132 |
| Mar | 4.91 | 21.6 | 119 |
| Apr | 4.36 | 20.0 | 106 |
| May | 3.52 | 17.1 | 86 |
| Jun | 3.26 | 16.3 | 79 |
| Jul | 3.48 | 15.9 | 85 |
| Aug | 4.15 | 17.2 | 101 |
| Sep | 4.42 | 19.1 | 108 |
| Oct | 4.91 | 20.7 | 119 |
| Nov | 5.23 | 20.9 | 127 |
| Dec | 5.49 | 22.1 | 134 |
Solar potential of São Paulo explained
São Paulo receives an average of 4.53 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 1323 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places São Paulo among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in São Paulo?
With 4.53 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in São Paulo produces roughly 1323 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 Paulo?
Approximately 7,000 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
Rio de Janeiro (4.8) · Buenos Aires (4.6) · Santiago (5) · Bogotá (4.4) · Lima (5.1) · Caracas (5) · all cities →