Solar PV Analysis of Palapye, Botswana
In the city of Palapye, Central District, Botswana (latitude: -22.5452, longitude: 27.1364), solar power generation is a viable and efficient energy source due to its consistent sunlight throughout the year. The average kilowatt-hour (kWh) per day per kilowatt (kW) of installed solar varies with each season; it stands at 6.20 in Summer, 6.08 in Autumn, 4.94 in Winter and peaks at 6.59 during Spring.
The city's tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons rather than drastic temperature or daylight changes contributes significantly to this efficiency as it allows for higher energy production especially during the sunnier months of summer and spring.
However, there are some local factors that may pose challenges to solar power generation in Palapye such as heavy rainfall which can limit sunlight exposure thereby reducing power output from photovoltaic panels.
To mitigate these challenges and ensure optimal energy production year-round, one could consider installing panels at an angle of 21 degrees facing North which has been determined as the ideal tilt for fixed panel installations at this location.
This orientation optimizes the amount of direct sunlight received by the panels hence maximizing their output despite any potential weather-related disruptions like heavy rainfalls or cloud cover that might occur especially during wet seasons.
In essence, despite potential weather-related hindrances, Palapye's tropical climate coupled with strategic panel installation makes it a suitable location for efficient solar power generation throughout the year.
Note: The Tropics are located between 23.5° North and -23.5° South of the equator.
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 Palapye
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -22.5452, Longitude: 27.1364 (Palapye, 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 21° North in Palapye, Botswana
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Palapye, Botswana (Lat/Long -22.5452, 27.1364) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 21° 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 Palapye, 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 Palapye, Botswana. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 21° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7° North in Summer | 28° North in Autumn | 38° North in Winter | 16° 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 Palapye, 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 Palapye, 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 Palapye, Botswana
The topography around Palapye, Botswana is mostly flat with some low hills and valleys. The areas most suited to large-scale solar PV are those that have the highest levels of sunlight and few obstructions such as trees or buildings that could block the sun's rays. Areas near open fields or on flat rooftops would be ideal for large-scale solar PV installations.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 19th of December 2023
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.
