Solar PV Analysis of Lobatse, Botswana
The location at Lobatse, Botswana, in the Southern Sub Tropics is quite suitable for generating energy through solar PV year-round. The amount of energy produced varies by season, with the highest production expected in spring (7.68 kWh/day per kW of installed solar), followed by summer (6.66 kWh/day), autumn (5.99 kWh/day) and winter (5.03 kWh/day). This means that more energy will be generated during the longer daylight hours of spring and summer.
For a fixed panel installation at this location, tilting the panels 23 degrees North would maximize total year-round production from solar PV.
However, there could be some local factors that might affect solar production at this location. These could include environmental aspects like dust or sandstorms which can cover panels reducing their efficiency; topographical issues such as hills or other structures casting shadows on the panels; weather conditions like prolonged periods of cloud cover or heavy rainfall; and other local factors such as bird droppings or vegetation growth around the installation site.
Preventative measures to help ensure greater energy production can include regular cleaning and maintenance of panels to remove dust or bird droppings; installing panels in clear areas away from shadows cast by hills or buildings; monitoring weather patterns to ensure optimal positioning during cloudy conditions; and controlling vegetation growth around installation sites to prevent shading.
In summary, Lobatse is generally a good place for generating solar power throughout the year with some precautions needed against potential local challenges that could reduce efficiency.
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 Lobatse
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -25.2184, Longitude: 25.6662 (Lobatse, 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 Lobatse, Botswana
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Lobatse, Botswana (Lat/Long -25.2184, 25.6662) 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 Lobatse, 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 Lobatse, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9° North in Summer | 31° North in Autumn | 41° North in Winter | 19° 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 Lobatse, 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 Lobatse, 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 Lobatse, Botswana
Lobatse is located in the southeastern part of Botswana. The topography around the area is characterized by undulating plains and low hills. It's a semi-arid region with a hot desert climate, receiving very little annual rainfall.
Given its climate and topography, there are several areas nearby that could be suitable for large-scale solar PV installations. Flat, open spaces would be ideal to maximize sun exposure and facilitate installation and maintenance of solar panels. Some potential locations could include:
1) Areas around Lobatse town: The flat plains surrounding the town can be utilized for setting up solar farms.
2) North of Lobatse: Towards Gaborone, there are vast stretches of open land which receive ample sunlight throughout the year.
3) South-Eastern parts near Ramotswa: These areas also have flat terrains suitable for large-scale solar PV installations.
However, it's important to note that while these geographical considerations are crucial, other factors such as access to grid infrastructure, proximity to load centers (cities or industrial hubs), land ownership rights etc., should also be taken into account when considering sites for large-scale solar PV projects.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 17th of January 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
