Solar energy in Varanasi, India
Average irradiation 4.81 kWh/m²/day · ~1405 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Varanasi (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3.11 | 16.1 | 76 |
| Feb | 4.47 | 20.3 | 109 |
| Mar | 5.76 | 26.5 | 140 |
| Apr | 6.56 | 32.6 | 159 |
| May | 6.59 | 36.0 | 160 |
| Jun | 5.65 | 35.6 | 137 |
| Jul | 4.62 | 30.8 | 112 |
| Aug | 4.80 | 29.3 | 117 |
| Sep | 4.71 | 28.3 | 114 |
| Oct | 4.68 | 25.8 | 114 |
| Nov | 3.83 | 21.2 | 93 |
| Dec | 2.97 | 16.9 | 72 |
Solar potential of Varanasi explained
Varanasi receives an average of 4.81 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 1405 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Varanasi among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Varanasi?
With 4.81 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Varanasi produces roughly 1405 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 Varanasi?
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%.
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