Banjul, Gambia is a good location for year-round solar energy production due to its tropical climate where sunlight is consistent throughout the year. The amount of electricity produced from each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar panels varies slightly by season, but remains relatively high all year round. In summer, you can expect about 5.94 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day from each kW of installed solar; in autumn, about 5.89 kWh/day; in winter, about 5.86 kWh/day; and in spring, it increases to around 7.53 kWh/day.

The best time for generating solar power at this location would be during the spring when the output reaches its peak at over 7kWh per day for every kW of installed solar power.

For fixed panel installations at this location, tilting your panels towards an angle of approximately 13 degrees South will maximize your total yearly production from the photovoltaic (PV) system.

However, there may be some local factors that could affect your ability to generate solar power here:

1.) Dust and dirt: Due to Banjul's position on the African continent's western edge and proximity to Saharan dust storms carried by winds across Africa might lead to accumulation on PV panels reducing their effectiveness.
Preventive Measure: Regular cleaning and maintenance schedule should be put in place to ensure that dust or dirt does not build up on these panels which can hinder their efficiency.

2.) Rainy Season: While sunlight is generally plentiful throughout most of the year in Banjul Gambia; during rainy seasons which are characterized by heavy downpours could limit sunlight exposure temporarily.
Preventive measure: Ensure proper installation procedures are followed so that systems can withstand severe weather conditions without being damaged or becoming less efficient as a result.

3.) High ambient temperature: Solar PV systems tend to become less efficient as temperatures rise above certain levels.
Preventive measure: Using PV modules that are designed to withstand high temperatures can help mitigate this issue.

Overall, with proper installation and maintenance, Banjul, Gambia is a good location for generating solar energy all year round.

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 3 locations across Gambia. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Gambia by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Banjul

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 13.4493, Longitude: -16.5799 (Banjul, Gambia), 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:

Average 5.94kWh/day in Summer.

Average 5.89kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 5.86kWh/day in Winter.

Average 7.53kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 13° South in Banjul, Gambia

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Banjul, Gambia (Lat/Long 13.4493, -16.5799) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 13° 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.

At Latitude: 13.4493, Longitude: -16.5799, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 13° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Banjul, Gambia

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 Banjul, Gambia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 13° South tilt angle throughout the year.

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 Banjul, Gambia

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 Banjul, Gambia.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Banjul, Gambia

Banjul, the capital city of The Gambia, is located on St Mary's Island at the mouth of the River Gambia. The topography is generally low-lying and flat with an average elevation of only 1 meter above sea level. It has a tropical savanna climate with a long dry season from November to May and a shorter rainy season from June to October.

The low-lying nature of Banjul means it may not be suitable for large-scale installations due to potential flooding risks. However, areas just outside Banjul that are slightly elevated or further inland could potentially be more suitable if they have less risk of flooding.

Areas like Serekunda or Brikama which are slightly inland might be more suited as they have similar climate conditions but higher elevations reducing flood risks. Also, these regions have plenty open spaces that can accommodate large-scale projects.

However, other factors should also be considered such as proximity to grid connection points or load centers (to reduce transmission losses), land use restrictions, environmental impacts and local community acceptance among others when deciding on locations for large scale projects.

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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.

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