Solar energy in Witbank, South Africa
Average irradiation 5.66 kWh/m²/day · ~1653 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Witbank (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6.75 | 20.7 | 164 |
| Feb | 6.45 | 20.5 | 157 |
| Mar | 5.76 | 19.2 | 140 |
| Apr | 4.86 | 16.2 | 118 |
| May | 4.49 | 12.9 | 109 |
| Jun | 4.08 | 9.8 | 99 |
| Jul | 4.40 | 9.7 | 107 |
| Aug | 5.10 | 12.9 | 124 |
| Sep | 6.03 | 17.0 | 147 |
| Oct | 6.48 | 19.2 | 158 |
| Nov | 6.70 | 19.9 | 163 |
| Dec | 6.75 | 20.6 | 164 |
Solar potential of Witbank explained
Witbank receives an average of 5.66 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 1653 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Witbank among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Witbank?
With 5.66 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Witbank produces roughly 1653 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 Witbank?
Approximately 8,000 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
Cairo (5.9) · Casablanca (5.3) · Lagos (4.6) · Nairobi (5.5) · Johannesburg (5.5) · Cape Town (5.3) · all cities →