Solar energy in Seoul, South Korea
Average irradiation 3.9 kWh/m²/day · ~1139 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Seoul (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.42 | -3.3 | 59 |
| Feb | 3.20 | -0.9 | 78 |
| Mar | 4.30 | 3.7 | 105 |
| Apr | 5.02 | 9.8 | 122 |
| May | 5.56 | 15.8 | 135 |
| Jun | 5.25 | 20.9 | 128 |
| Jul | 4.21 | 24.0 | 102 |
| Aug | 4.50 | 24.9 | 109 |
| Sep | 4.18 | 20.4 | 102 |
| Oct | 3.59 | 13.9 | 87 |
| Nov | 2.44 | 6.5 | 59 |
| Dec | 2.11 | -1.0 | 51 |
Solar potential of Seoul explained
Seoul receives an average of 3.9 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 1139 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This is a solid mid-range solar resource: production is meaningful year-round, though winter output drops noticeably.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Seoul?
With 3.9 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Seoul produces roughly 1139 kWh per year. That is a good solar resource; with current panel prices most systems pay back well within their lifetime.
How much electricity would a 5 kW system produce in Seoul?
Approximately 6,000 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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