Solar energy in Xining, China
Average irradiation 4.59 kWh/m²/day · ~1340 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Xining (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3.15 | -7.7 | 76 |
| Feb | 4.00 | -3.8 | 97 |
| Mar | 5.03 | 1.1 | 122 |
| Apr | 5.75 | 6.5 | 140 |
| May | 5.97 | 10.8 | 145 |
| Jun | 5.89 | 14.8 | 143 |
| Jul | 5.69 | 16.6 | 138 |
| Aug | 5.25 | 15.6 | 128 |
| Sep | 4.28 | 10.8 | 104 |
| Oct | 3.91 | 5.0 | 95 |
| Nov | 3.33 | -1.0 | 81 |
| Dec | 2.89 | -6.5 | 70 |
Solar potential of Xining explained
Xining receives an average of 4.59 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 1340 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Xining among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Xining?
With 4.59 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Xining produces roughly 1340 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 Xining?
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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