The location of Tema, Greater Accra Region, Ghana, situated at 5.6714° N latitude and -0.0086° E longitude, presents a highly favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This tropical location benefits from consistent sunlight, with seasons primarily characterized by wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature variations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy production in Tema remains remarkably stable across all meteorological seasons. Spring sees the highest output at 5.83 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Winter and autumn follow closely with 5.52 kWh/day and 5.51 kWh/day, respectively. Even during summer, which shows the lowest output, the system still produces a robust 5.17 kWh/day. This consistent performance throughout the year makes Tema an ideal location for solar PV installations, as it ensures a reliable and steady energy supply regardless of the season.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed panel installations in Tema, Greater Accra Region, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 6 degrees facing South. This relatively shallow angle is due to Tema's proximity to the equator, where the sun's path remains high in the sky throughout the year.

Environmental Considerations

While Tema's location is generally excellent for solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider: 1. Dust and sand: The region can experience dusty conditions, particularly during the dry season. 2. Humidity: Being a coastal city, Tema experiences high humidity levels. To mitigate these factors, the following preventative measures can be taken: • Regular cleaning of solar panels to remove dust and debris • Using anti-corrosion materials and coatings to protect against humidity-related damage • Installing panels at the optimal tilt angle to promote natural cleaning during rainfall By implementing these measures, solar installations in Tema can maintain high efficiency and longevity, taking full advantage of the location's excellent solar potential.

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

Link: Solar PV potential in Ghana by location

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

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 5.6714, Longitude: -0.0086 (Tema, Ghana), 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 6° South in Tema, Ghana

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tema, Ghana (Lat/Long 5.6714, -0.0086) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 6° 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 Tema, Ghana

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 Tema, Ghana. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 6° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
10° North in Summer	12° South in Autumn	21° South in Winter	1° 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 Tema, Ghana

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 Tema, Ghana.

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 Tema, Ghana

The area around Tema, Ghana, is characterized by a relatively flat coastal plain with some gentle undulations. Tema itself is situated on the Gulf of Guinea coast, and the surrounding landscape gradually rises as you move inland. The terrain is primarily low-lying, with elevations typically ranging from sea level to about 50 meters above sea level within a 20-kilometer radius of the city.

The coastline near Tema features sandy beaches and occasional lagoons. As you move slightly inland, the landscape transitions to a mix of grasslands, shrublands, and scattered patches of tropical dry forest. The soil in this region is generally sandy or loamy, which is typical of coastal areas in Ghana.

To the north and northwest of Tema, the terrain becomes slightly more varied, with some low hills and shallow valleys. However, these features are still relatively modest in scale, rarely exceeding 100 meters in height. The Shai Hills, located about 30 kilometers north of Tema, represent one of the more prominent topographical features in the vicinity, rising to approximately 290 meters above sea level.

Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV installations, the regions to the north and northeast of Tema offer promising potential. These areas typically have:

1. Flatter terrain, which reduces the cost and complexity of site preparation
2. Lower population density, providing more available land for expansive solar farms
3. Slightly higher elevations, which can offer better exposure to sunlight and reduce the risk of flooding
4. Fewer trees and obstructions, maximizing solar exposure throughout the day

Specifically, the areas between Tema and Prampram to the east, and the regions north of Tema towards Ashaiman and beyond, could be well-suited for solar PV development. These locations offer a good balance of favorable topography, land availability, and proximity to existing infrastructure and power grids associated with the Greater Accra region.

It's important to note that while the topography is generally favorable for solar PV in this region, other factors such as local climate conditions, land ownership, environmental considerations, and proximity to transmission infrastructure would also need to be carefully evaluated when selecting specific sites for large-scale solar projects.

Ghana solar PV Stats as a country

Ghana ranks 85th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 108 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Ghana is generating 3 Watts from solar PV per capita (Ghana ranks 83rd in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Ghana?

Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Ghana. The government of Ghana has implemented a number of policies and programs to promote the use of renewable energy sources such as solar power. These include tax exemptions, subsidies, and grants for businesses that install solar systems. Additionally, the government has established a Renewable Energy Fund which provides financial support for projects related to renewable energy development. Finally, the government also offers technical assistance and capacity building services to help businesses develop their own solar projects.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Ghana? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!

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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.