Solar PV Analysis of Dessie, Ethiopia
Dessie, Amhara, Ethiopia, located in the Tropics is a very suitable location for generating solar energy throughout the year due to its consistent sunlight. The amount of electricity that can be produced from each kilowatt of installed solar panels varies slightly with the seasons but remains relatively high all year round. In summer it's about 5.94kWh/day, autumn 6.44kWh/day, winter 6.65kWh/day and spring it's highest at 7.48 kWh/day.
The best time to generate solar power would likely be during spring when output is at its peak due to longer daylight hours and clearer skies compared to other seasons.
For maximum efficiency in this location, solar panels should be installed at an angle tilted 11 degrees towards the south which will ensure they receive as much sunlight as possible throughout the year.
However, there may be local factors that could affect solar production such as frequent dust storms or heavy rainfall especially during wet season which might cover panels reducing their efficiency or even causing damage over time.
To mitigate these issues, regular cleaning and maintenance of panels are recommended particularly after dust storms or heavy rainfalls to ensure they remain clear and fully functional for optimal performance. Also consider using durable materials resistant to harsh weather conditions for mounting structures and panel frames.
Despite these potential challenges Dessie still presents a great opportunity for harnessing solar energy given its geographical location within the tropics where sunlight is abundant most of 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 24 locations across Ethiopia. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Ethiopia by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Dessie
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 11.1286, Longitude: 39.6379 (Dessie, Ethiopia), 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 Dessie, Ethiopia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Dessie, Ethiopia (Lat/Long 11.1286, 39.6379) 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 Dessie, Ethiopia
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 Dessie, Ethiopia. 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 Dessie, Ethiopia
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 Dessie, Ethiopia.
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 Dessie, Ethiopia
Dessie, Ethiopia is situated in the northeastern part of the country and is surrounded by hilly terrain and mountains. It has an average elevation of about 2,470 meters (8,100 feet) above sea level. The area experiences a temperate climate with warm days and cool nights due to its high altitude.
When considering large scale solar PV installations, several factors need to be taken into account such as sunlight exposure, land availability and suitability, proximity to transmission lines or grids for power distribution etc.
The areas around Dessie that are relatively flat or gently sloping would be most suitable for large-scale solar PV installations. This includes parts of the Afar region which lies to the east of Dessie and features semi-arid desert conditions ideal for harnessing solar energy due to high sunlight exposure throughout the year.
However, actual site selection would require detailed local surveys including environmental impact assessments as well as socio-economic considerations such as land ownership issues etc. Additionally, technical feasibility studies including grid connectivity analysis would also have to be done before selecting a specific site for installation.
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 21st of May 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.
