Solar energy in Sofia, Bulgaria
Average irradiation 3.84 kWh/m²/day · ~1121 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Sofia (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.66 | -2.3 | 40 |
| Feb | 2.45 | -0.3 | 60 |
| Mar | 3.45 | 4.0 | 84 |
| Apr | 4.55 | 8.8 | 111 |
| May | 5.34 | 14.1 | 130 |
| Jun | 6.07 | 18.3 | 148 |
| Jul | 6.34 | 21.1 | 154 |
| Aug | 5.73 | 21.2 | 139 |
| Sep | 4.25 | 16.3 | 103 |
| Oct | 2.95 | 10.5 | 72 |
| Nov | 1.87 | 5.1 | 46 |
| Dec | 1.38 | -0.6 | 34 |
Solar potential of Sofia explained
Sofia receives an average of 3.84 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 1121 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 Sofia?
With 3.84 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Sofia produces roughly 1121 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 Sofia?
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%.
Compare with nearby cities
London (2.6) · Paris (3.2) · Berlin (2.9) · Munich (3.3) · Madrid (4.8) · Barcelona (4.6) · all cities →