Solar PV Analysis of Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
Situated at a latitude of 11.1821 and longitude of -4.297, Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso offers an excellent environment for solar power generation due to its high daily solar irradiance levels. The average energy yield per day for each kilowatt of installed solar power varies across the seasons, with the summer months producing an average of 5.72 kWh/day per kW, autumn generating 6.46 kWh/day per kW, winter yielding 6.66 kWh/day per kW, and spring offering the highest output at 6.76 kWh/day per kW.
The location's tropical climate is characterized by consistent sunlight throughout most parts of the year, making it a suitable location for steady solar power generation all year round. Unlike temperate climates where seasonal variations are marked by temperature fluctuations, Bobo-Dioulasso's seasons are primarily distinguished by wet and dry periods.
Given this climate pattern and geographical positioning within the tropics, no significant environmental or weather conditions exist that would adversely affect photovoltaic (PV) power generation in this region.
However, it is worth noting that during the wet season when rainfall can be heavy at times; proper installation measures should be taken to ensure optimal performance of PV panels despite these weather changes such as waterproofing systems and regular maintenance checks for potential soiling or damage from heavy rains.
Moreover, considering local topographical factors in Bobo-Dioulasso; a fixed panel installation tilted at an angle of 11 degrees towards South is ideal to maximize exposure to sunlight throughout different times of day and across various seasons.
In conclusion; while taking into account expected seasonal variations in energy yield as well as potential challenges during wet periods; with appropriate preventive measures taken during installation process – Bobo-Dioulasso presents promising prospects for efficient solar power production on a year-round basis.
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 4 locations across Burkina Faso. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Burkina Faso by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Bobo-Dioulasso
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 11.1821, Longitude: -4.297 (Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso), 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 11° South in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso (Lat/Long 11.1821, -4.297) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 11° South 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 Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
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 Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 11° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5° North in Summer | 17° South in Autumn | 27° South in Winter | 5° South 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 Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
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 Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
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 Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
The topography around Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso is generally flat and low-lying. Areas to the south and east of the city are particularly well suited for large-scale solar PV installations due to their open spaces and clear skies. The nearby areas of Banfora, Boromo, Diapaga, Koudougou, and Ouagadougou also have similar terrain that could be used for large-scale solar installations.
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 26th 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.
