Solar energy in Tawau, Malaysia
Average irradiation 4.94 kWh/m²/day · ~1442 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Tawau (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.50 | 27.1 | 109 |
| Feb | 4.98 | 27.1 | 121 |
| Mar | 5.27 | 27.6 | 128 |
| Apr | 5.33 | 28.1 | 130 |
| May | 5.09 | 28.2 | 124 |
| Jun | 4.85 | 27.8 | 118 |
| Jul | 4.88 | 27.5 | 119 |
| Aug | 5.11 | 27.6 | 124 |
| Sep | 5.07 | 27.7 | 123 |
| Oct | 4.86 | 27.8 | 118 |
| Nov | 4.76 | 27.7 | 116 |
| Dec | 4.58 | 27.5 | 111 |
Solar potential of Tawau explained
Tawau receives an average of 4.94 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 1442 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Tawau among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Tawau?
With 4.94 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Tawau produces roughly 1442 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 Tawau?
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
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