Unlocking Renewable Opportunities with Solar Power in Suriname

Country or Region Overview

Country or Region: Suriname

Capital: Paramaribo

Total Population: Approximately 600,000 (as of 2025)

Geographical Location: Suriname is located on the northeastern coast of South America, bordered by Guyana to the west, French Guiana to the east, Brazil to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the north. It has a tropical climate and is rich in natural resources, making solar energy an attractive option for sustainable development.

Solar resource map copyright at 2021 Solargis. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution license (CC BY-SA 4.0). This is a solar resource map from Solargis. For a higher resolution map, please visit and download.

Solar Irradiation Data in Suriname

Suriname has good solar energy potential, with annual average solar irradiation levels ranging from 4.5 kWh/m²/day to 5.5 kWh/m²/day. Despite frequent cloud cover and rainfall in rainforest regions, the country’s northern coastal areas receive consistent sunlight throughout the year.

Key Solar Irradiation Data:

Annual Solar Irradiation: Around 5.0 kWh/m²/day on average
High Irradiation Regions: Northern coastal areas (Paramaribo, Nickerie) and savanna regions inland
Peak Irradiation: Up to 5.5 kWh/m²/day during dry seasons (February to April, August to November)

Suriname’s solar potential, combined with high electricity costs and imported fossil fuels, makes solar power an economical and sustainable energy solution.

If you need to learn more solar power potential in Suriname, please feel free to contact Solarvance for more details.

Temperature Factors in Suriname

Average Annual Temperature: Suriname has a warm tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 24°C (75°F) to 32°C (89°F) year-round.
Impact on Solar Panels: The warm climate has minimal impact on solar efficiency, but high humidity and rainfall can pose challenges for long-term performance.
Recommendation: Weatherproof panels with anti-corrosion materials are ideal to withstand heat and humidity.

Energy Demand and Grid Situation in Suriname

National Energy Demand: Suriname’s energy demand is rising, but much of its electricity comes from hydropower and diesel generators.
Grid Infrastructure: The national grid covers urban areas, but many rural villages rely on diesel generators or have no access to power, creating demand for off-grid solar systems.
Opportunities from Global Events: With increasing international focus on climate change and green energy, Suriname is expanding renewable energy projects, including solar power, to reduce its dependence on imported fuel.

Preferred System Type in Suriname

Grid-Connected Systems: Best for urban areas like Paramaribo, where grid stability is higher, allowing homeowners and businesses to offset power costs.
Off-Grid Systems: Critical for remote communities, especially inland rainforest regions, where grid access is unavailable or unreliable.
Hybrid Systems: Useful for commercial operations and essential services, combining solar power, battery storage, and backup generators for uninterrupted electricity.

Dust and Sand Factor in Suriname

Dust and Sandstorms: Suriname has minimal dust issues, but urban areas may still experience some dust buildup from construction and road traffic.
Recommendation: Regular maintenance and tilted installations help prevent dust accumulation and maintain system efficiency.

Humidity and Rainfall (Humidity Factor) in Suriname

Humidity Levels: Suriname experiences high humidity levels year-round, often above 80%, especially in the rainforest regions.
Impact on Solar Panels: Excess humidity and heavy rain may cause moisture buildup in solar components, potentially reducing lifespan.
Recommendation: Use waterproof, humidity-resistant solar panels and sealed inverters to ensure long-term performance.

Ocean (Salt Corrosion Factor) in Suriname

Saltwater Corrosion: Coastal areas like Paramaribo and Nieuw Nickerie face salt spray exposure from the Atlantic Ocean, which can corrode solar panel frames and mounting structures over time.
Recommendation: Marine-grade materials and anti-corrosion coatings are essential for long-lasting solar installations near the coast.

Government Policies and Solar Incentives in Suriname

Suriname is gradually transitioning toward renewable energy, with policies and incentives supporting solar energy:

Renewable Energy Targets: Suriname aims to increase renewable energy capacity and reduce reliance on diesel generators, particularly for rural electrification.
International Support: Organizations like the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and World Bank fund solar mini-grid projects in off-grid communities.
Tax Incentives: Import duties on solar equipment are reduced, making solar systems more affordable for residential and commercial use.
Rural Solar Initiatives: The government supports off-grid solar solutions to bring electricity to remote areas.

ROI on Solar Systems in Suriname

ROI Period: Solar systems in Suriname typically pay off within 4 to 7 years, depending on location, system size, and energy usage.
Long-Term Savings: Homeowners, businesses, and remote communities can save up to 60-70% on energy costs over the 25+ year system lifespan.

Conclusion on Solar Power in Suriname

Suriname presents strong solar potential, particularly in northern coastal and rural regions, where solar power can replace expensive diesel generators. With high electricity costs, supportive policies, and rising energy demand, solar energy is a sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective solution for homes, businesses, and off-grid communities.

For businesses, investors, and homeowners, now is the ideal time to adopt solar energy in Suriname. Solarvance is ready to provide tailored solar power solutions to meet Suriname’s growing energy needs.

Contact us today to explore how solar energy can power your home, business, or rural community while reducing energy costs and carbon emissions!

Choose Solarvance for Your Solar System

Contact us today to explore customized solar solutions for your needs, whether you’re interested in grid-connected, off-grid, or hybrid solar systems. Our team at Solarvance is here to guide you through every step of the process, from system design to installation and maintenance.