Solar PV Analysis of Gedara, Ethiopia
Gedara, Oromiya Region, Ethiopia is a great place for solar energy production all year round because it's located in the Tropics where sunlight is consistent throughout most of the year. The amount of electricity generated from each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar varies by season: 5.71 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day in Summer, 6.60 kWh/day in Autumn, 6.98 kWh/day in Winter, and 7.49 kWh/day in Spring.
These numbers tell us that you can generate more electricity with solar panels during Spring than any other season at this location. However, even during Summer which has the lowest output, you still get a substantial amount of energy making it an ideal location for year-round solar power generation.
When installing fixed panel solar installations at this location to maximize total yearly production from your panels, they should ideally be tilted at an angle facing 10 degrees South.
However, there might be some local factors that could affect your solar installation’s efficiency such as weather conditions or environmental factors like dust and dirt accumulation on the panels which can reduce their performance over time.
To prevent these issues:
1) Regular cleaning: Depending on how much dust or dirt accumulates on your panels due to local conditions like wind carrying dust particles or birds nesting nearby etc., regular cleaning may be needed to maintain optimal performance.
2) Weatherproofing: If extreme weather conditions are common like heavy rainfall or strong winds etc., then additional weatherproofing measures may need to be taken when installing your panels such as using sturdy mounting systems and waterproof materials.
3) Maintenance & Repairs: Regular maintenance checks can help identify any damages early before they become bigger problems affecting energy production significantly so prompt repairs can be made if necessary.
4) Protective barriers: If large trees are present that could potentially damage the system through falling branches etc., protective barriers may need to be considered for safety and to prevent damage.
In conclusion, Gedara, Oromiya Region, Ethiopia is a great location for solar energy generation throughout the year with Spring being the most productive season. However, regular maintenance and cleaning along with potential weatherproofing may be needed depending on local conditions to maintain optimal performance of your system.
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 Gedara
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 9.3127087, Longitude: 39.6001842 (Gedara, 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 10° South in Gedara, Ethiopia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Gedara, Ethiopia (Lat/Long 9.3127087, 39.6001842) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 10° 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 Gedara, 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 Gedara, Ethiopia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 10° South 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 | 16° South in Autumn | 25° South in Winter | 3° 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 Gedara, 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 Gedara, 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 Gedara, Ethiopia
The area around Gedara, Ethiopia is predominantly characterized by highlands and mountainous regions. The terrain is largely rugged with an average elevation of about 2,000 meters above sea level. However, there are also some flat plains and valleys in the region which could be suitable for large-scale projects.
When considering a location for large-scale projects, it's important to consider factors such as land availability, proximity to transmission lines or substations (for grid-connected projects) and local regulations or policies supporting development.
Considering these factors:
1) The Awash National Park: This park is located southeast from Gedara and consists primarily of savannah grasslands that could potentially accommodate certain types of development.
2) The Afar Region: Located northeast from Gedara, this region is one of the hottest places on earth with vast desert landscapes that could potentially host large-scale installations.
3) Rift Valley: This valley stretches across Ethiopia from northeast to south containing several lakes and wide open spaces which could potentially accommodate large scale developments given its relatively flat topography compared to other parts in this highland dominated country.
However any decision should be preceded by detailed feasibility studies taking into account environmental impact assessments especially when dealing with protected areas like national parks or habitats hosting endemic species.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 28th of May 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
Tell Us About Your Work
We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.
Feeling generous?
Share this with your friends!
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.
