Mongolia’s solar potential is attracting international investment and development

Country or Region Overview

Country or Region: Mongolia

Capital: Ulaanbaatar

Total Population: Approximately 3.5 million (as of 2025)

Geographical Location: Mongolia is a landlocked country in East and Central Asia, bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south, east, and west. It is characterized by vast grasslands (steppe), deserts (Gobi Desert), and mountain ranges. Much of the population lives in rural areas or off-grid nomadic settlements, while the capital, Ulaanbaatar, is the primary urban center. Mongolia’s large territory and excellent solar radiation make it an ideal country for solar energy expansion, particularly in off-grid applications.

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Solar Irradiation Data in Mongolia

Mongolia is one of the most solar-abundant countries in the world, with strong and consistent sunlight throughout the year.

Key Solar Irradiation Data:

Annual Solar Irradiation: Ranges from 4.5 to 6.0 kWh/m²/day
Sunshine Hours: Approximately 2,800 to 3,300 hours/year
Best Locations:
- Southern and central regions, including the Gobi Desert, Dornogovi, Umnugovi, and Bayankhongor

Solar energy is highly viable and can deliver strong performance even in winter, if systems are properly designed.

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

Temperature Factors in Mongolia

Mongolia experiences extreme continental climate with severe winters and hot summers.

Summer highs: Can reach 30–35°C in the steppe and desert
Winter lows: Drop to -30°C or lower in most regions
Equipment must be rated for extreme cold and snow accumulation

Cold temperatures increase battery efficiency, but frost protection and durable racking are essential for year-round operation.

Energy Demand and Grid Situation in Mongolia

Mongolia has limited grid reach outside urban areas, especially in rural and nomadic communities.

National grid managed by the National Dispatching Center (NDC)
Frequent outages and low-voltage problems in regional centers
Ger (nomadic) settlements, remote clinics, and telecom sites often rely on diesel or have no access to power

This creates a strong demand for off-grid and hybrid solar systems in both residential and commercial sectors.

Preferred System Type in Mongolia

Solar energy systems in Mongolia must be robust, portable, and cold-weather ready.

Off-grid solar kits with LFP batteries: Best suited for rural households, herders, and schools
Solar trailers or mobile power units: Excellent for temporary or nomadic use
Rooftop PV with backup: Viable in Ulaanbaatar and provincial centers
Solar water heaters and solar pumps: Used in livestock and agriculture sectors

Systems must include cold-resilient components, such as insulated wiring, heated battery enclosures, and snow-resistant mounting structures.

Dust and Sand Factor in Mongolia

Dust is moderate to high in some regions, especially in the Gobi Desert and dry summer months.

Windy conditions and sparse vegetation increase dust exposure
Monthly cleaning improves performance
Tilt angle of 30–40° helps shed dust and snow

Anti-dust coatings and regular inspection are recommended.

Humidity and Rainfall (Humidity Factor) in Mongolia

Mongolia is a dry country, with low average humidity and limited rainfall.

Average humidity: 40–60%, lower in deserts
Rainfall is seasonal, with most precipitation between June and August
Snow and ice are more common than heavy rain

While humidity poses little challenge, snow must be considered in winter system design.

Ocean (Salt Corrosion Factor) in Mongolia

Mongolia is a landlocked country with no exposure to salt air or sea mist.

No salt corrosion risk
Standard materials are suitable without marine-grade upgrades

Government Policies and Solar Incentives in Mongolia

Mongolia is actively expanding its renewable energy sector, particularly solar and wind.

Key policy highlights:

National target to reach 30% renewable energy by 2030
Support from ADB, World Bank, and Japan for off-grid rural electrification
Government-approved solar pilot projects in rural provinces
Customs and tax incentives for renewable energy equipment under certain conditions
Net-metering programs being considered for urban areas

The renewable sector is a key part of Mongolia’s sustainable development plan.

ROI on Solar Systems in Mongolia

Solar energy offers very favorable ROI in both rural off-grid and urban backup settings.

ROI Period:
- Off-grid home kits: 2–4 years, replacing diesel or candles
- Telecom and remote equipment: 3–5 years, with low maintenance
- Urban hybrid systems: 5–7 years, depending on consumption pattern
Solar solutions reduce fuel logistics, maintenance, and grid reliance

With proper design, solar is a low-risk, long-term investment in Mongolia.

Conclusion on Solar Power in Mongolia

Mongolia’s vast open spaces, extreme sunlight, and need for off-grid energy make it one of the most promising markets for solar deployment in Central Asia. From mobile herder kits to solar-powered schools and clinics, the opportunities are diverse and impactful.

At Solarvance, we offer weather-resistant, cold-climate-ready solar kits, hybrid power systems, and off-grid solutions specifically designed for Mongolia’s harsh winters, remote terrain, and rural energy needs. Whether you’re powering a ger tent, a clinic in the Gobi, or a communications tower, our products deliver clean, reliable, and resilient energy across the Mongolian landscape.

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.