Solar PV Analysis of Gaborone, Botswana
Located in the Southern Sub Tropics, Gaborone, Botswana (coordinates -24.6437 latitude and 25.9112 longitude) is a prime location for solar power production due to its favorable climatic conditions. The city experiences an impressive average daily generation of 6.61 kWh per kW of installed solar in summer, 6.03 kWh in autumn, 5.05 kWh in winter and a remarkable 7.46 kWh during spring.
To optimize solar energy capture at this location, it is advisable that panels are installed with a fixed tilt angle of 23 degrees towards the North which aligns with the sun's path across the sky for maximum exposure throughout the year.
However, certain local environmental factors can potentially hinder optimal solar production at this site and should be considered during installation planning stages to ensure greater energy yield over time.
Periodic rainstorms may temporarily reduce sunlight availability thus affecting overall energy output although these events are generally infrequent given Gaborone's semi-arid climate type characterized by relatively low annual rainfall.
Dust storms present another challenge as they can deposit layers of dust on panel surfaces thereby reducing their efficiency by obstructing sunlight penetration into photovoltaic cells within panels which convert light into electricity.
To mitigate these potential impediments to optimal solar energy production at this site, regular cleaning and maintenance schedules should be implemented to keep panel surfaces free from dust accumulation particularly after dust storm events while weather-resistant panel designs could provide added protection against damage from rainstorms ensuring longevity and consistent performance over time under local climatic conditions.
Note: The Southern Sub Tropics extend from -23.5° latitude South down to -35° latitude.
So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 7 locations across Botswana. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Botswana by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Gaborone
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -24.6437, Longitude: 25.9112 (Gaborone, Botswana), based on our analysis of 8760 hourly intervals of solar and meteorological data (one whole year) retrieved for that set of coordinates/location from NASA POWER (The Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources) API:
Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 23° North in Gaborone, Botswana
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Gaborone, Botswana (Lat/Long -24.6437, 25.9112) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 23° North for fixed panel installations.
As the Earth revolves around the Sun each year, the maximum angle of elevation of the Sun varies by +/- 23.45 degrees from its equinox elevation angle for a particular latitude. Finding the exact optimal angle to maximise solar PV production throughout the year can be challenging, but with careful consideration of historical solar energy and meteorological data for a certain location, it can be done precisely.
We use our own calculation, which incorporates NASA solar and meteorological data for the exact Lat/Long coordinates, to determine the ideal tilt angle of a solar panel that will yield maximum annual solar output. We calculate the optimal angle for each day of the year, taking into account its contribution to the yearly total PV potential at that specific location.
Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Gaborone, Botswana
If you can adjust the tilt angle of your solar PV panels, please refer to the seasonal tilt angles below for optimal solar energy production in Gaborone, Botswana. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 23° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8° North in Summer | 30° North in Autumn | 40° North in Winter | 18° North in Spring |
Our recommendations take into account more than just latitude and Earth's position in its elliptical orbit around the Sun. We also incorporate historical solar and meteorological data from NASA's Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources (POWER) API to assign a weight to each ideal angle for each day based on its historical contribution to overall solar PV potential during a specific season.
This approach allows us to provide much more accurate recommendations than relying solely on latitude, as it considers unique weather conditions in different locations sharing the same latitude worldwide.
Calculate solar panel row spacing in Gaborone, Botswana
We've added a feature to calculate minimum solar panel row spacing by location. Enter your panel size and orientation below to get the minimum spacing in Gaborone, Botswana.
Our calculation method
- Solar Position:
We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination. - Shadow Projection:
We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle. - Minimum Spacing:
We add the shadow length to the horizontal space occupied by tilted panels.
This approach ensures maximum space efficiency while avoiding shading during critical times, as the Winter solstice represents the worst-case scenario for shadow length.
Topography for solar PV around Gaborone, Botswana
The topography around Gaborone, Botswana is mostly flat with some rolling hills. Areas to the east and south of the city are most suited for large-scale solar PV due to their flat terrain and abundance of open space. These areas also have access to plenty of sunlight throughout the year, making them ideal locations for solar energy production.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 21st of August 2023
Last Updated: Wednesday 26th of June 2024
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Compare this location to others worldwide for solar PV potential
The solar PV analyses available on our website, including this one, are offered as a free service to the global community. Our aim is to provide education and aid informed decision-making regarding solar PV installations.
However, please note that these analyses are general guidance and may not meet specific project requirements. For in-depth, tailored forecasts and analysis crucial for feasibility studies or when pursuing maximum ROI from your solar projects, feel free to contact us; we offer comprehensive consulting services expressly for this purpose.
Helping you assess viability of solar PV for your site
Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
Enhance your solar panel's performance with our in-depth guide. Determine the best tilt angle using hard data, debunk common misunderstandings, and gain insight into how your specific location affects solar energy production.
