Solar energy in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Average irradiation 5.67 kWh/m²/day · ~1656 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Zanzibar (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6.04 | 28.1 | 147 |
| Feb | 6.25 | 28.4 | 152 |
| Mar | 5.83 | 28.6 | 142 |
| Apr | 4.95 | 28.2 | 120 |
| May | 4.62 | 27.2 | 112 |
| Jun | 4.82 | 26.2 | 117 |
| Jul | 5.00 | 25.5 | 122 |
| Aug | 5.51 | 25.5 | 134 |
| Sep | 6.15 | 25.9 | 149 |
| Oct | 6.39 | 26.9 | 155 |
| Nov | 6.33 | 27.8 | 154 |
| Dec | 6.21 | 28.3 | 151 |
Solar potential of Zanzibar explained
Zanzibar receives an average of 5.67 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 1656 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Zanzibar among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Zanzibar?
With 5.67 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Zanzibar produces roughly 1656 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 Zanzibar?
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 →