Solar PV Analysis of Rantalapye, Botswana
Rantalapye, Sowa Town, Botswana, located at a latitude of -21.7962 and longitude of 26.6359, is an excellent location for solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation due to its consistent sunlight exposure throughout the year. The average energy production per day per kW of installed solar varies slightly by season: 6.60 kWh in Summer, 6.44 kWh in Autumn, 5.49 kWh in Winter, and peaking at 7.21 kWh in Spring.
Situated within the Tropics region, Rantalapye experiences minimal temperature fluctuations across seasons; instead, it is characterized by alternating wet and dry periods rather than heavy rain or snowfall that could impede solar production significantly.
For optimal energy generation from a fixed-panel installation in this location, it is recommended to tilt the solar panels at an angle of 21 degrees towards the North direction to maximize sunlight exposure throughout the year.
Although there are no major environmental or topographical factors that would significantly hinder solar power generation in Rantalapye, Sowa Town, it is crucial to consider any potential shading from nearby structures or vegetation during installation planning stages and ensure proper cleaning and maintenance practices are followed regularly to maintain peak performance levels of your PV system over time.
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 Rantalapye
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -21.7962, Longitude: 26.6359 (Rantalapye, 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 Rantalapye, Botswana
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Rantalapye, Botswana (Lat/Long -21.7962, 26.6359) 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 Rantalapye, 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 Rantalapye, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6° North in Summer | 28° North in Autumn | 37° 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 Rantalapye, 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 Rantalapye, 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 Rantalapye, Botswana
The topography around Rantalapye, Botswana is generally flat with some gentle hills and valleys. Areas nearby that would be most suitable for large-scale solar PV include open, flat areas with few trees or other obstructions. The nearby plains are ideal for this purpose as they provide plenty of space to install the necessary equipment, while also ensuring adequate sunlight exposure. Additionally, these areas tend to have lower levels of air pollution which can reduce the efficiency of solar panels over time.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 14th of June 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.
