Solar PV Analysis of Bamako, Mali
Bamako, Mali (coordinates 12.6542 latitude, -7.9989 longitude) is a prime location for solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation owing to its consistent sunlight exposure all year round and clear demarcation between wet and dry seasons. The average yield per kW of installed solar capacity in this city varies with the seasons: it stands at 5.95 kWh/day during Summer, increases slightly to 6.46 kWh/day in Autumn, remains relatively stable at 6.50 kWh/day throughout Winter and reaches its peak at 6.97 kWh/day in Spring.
Despite these promising figures, there are certain environmental factors that may affect the efficiency of solar energy production in Bamako. For instance, heavy rainfall which is common during the wet season can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the panels thereby decreasing their output.
To mitigate against such adverse weather conditions and ensure optimal energy production year-round, it would be advisable to install panels at an angle of inclination facing southwards by approximately 13 degrees from horizontal alignment for fixed panel installations; this orientation ensures maximum exposure to sunlight across different periods of the year.
In addition to this strategic positioning, regular maintenance practices such as cleaning off any accumulated dust or debris on the panels can also help maintain their efficiency levels high despite seasonal variations in weather patterns.
Snowfall is not a significant concern given Bamako's tropical savanna climate which features hot temperatures throughout most parts of the year; thus it doesn't pose a substantial threat to solar PV performance here unlike other less favorable climates for solar energy generation around the globe.
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 Mali. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Mali by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Bamako
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 12.6542, Longitude: -7.9989 (Bamako, Mali), 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 13° South in Bamako, Mali
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bamako, Mali (Lat/Long 12.6542, -7.9989) 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.
Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Bamako, Mali
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 Bamako, Mali. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 13° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4° North in Summer | 19° South in Autumn | 28° South in Winter | 6° 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 Bamako, Mali
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 Bamako, Mali.
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 Bamako, Mali
The topography around Bamako, Mali is mostly flat and low-lying. The nearby areas that are most suitable for large scale solar PV are the open plains and savannas to the north of the city. These areas provide plenty of space for large solar arrays with minimal shading from trees or other obstacles. Additionally, these regions tend to have high levels of sunlight throughout the year, making them ideal for solar energy production.
Mali solar PV Stats as a country
Mali ranks 88th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 100 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Mali is generating 5 Watts from solar PV per capita (Mali ranks 79th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Mali?
Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Mali. The government of Mali has implemented a number of policies and programs to promote the use of renewable energy sources such as solar power. These include tax exemptions on imported equipment used for solar installations, subsidies for the installation of solar systems, and access to low-interest loans from international development banks. Additionally, the government has established a Renewable Energy Fund which provides grants and other financial support to businesses that invest in renewable energy projects.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Mali? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 26th of December 2023
Last Updated: Wednesday 26th of June 2024
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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.
