Solar PV Analysis of Moka, Mauritius
The location at Moka, Mauritius, situated in the tropics, is suitable for generating energy through solar PV all year round due to its consistent sunlight. However, the amount of electricity output varies with each season. During summer and spring, you can expect a higher output of 7.76kWh/day and 7.18kWh/day respectively per kW of installed solar because these seasons have longer daylight hours. In contrast, autumn and winter have shorter daylight hours leading to lower outputs of 5.47kWh/day and 4.67kWh/day respectively per kW.
To get the most out of your solar panels throughout the year at this location, they should be fixed at an angle tilted 17 degrees North.
However, there are few factors that could possibly hinder solar production here:
1) Tropical Storms: Being in a tropical region means occasional storms which could cover up the sun or even damage panels.
Preventive Measure: Use durable mounting equipment to secure panels against high winds.
2) High Humidity & Rainfall: The wet season might reduce sunlight exposure.
Preventive Measure: Regular cleaning/maintenance can ensure maximum absorption when sun is available.
3) High Temperature: Excessive heat may decrease panel efficiency.
Preventive Measure: Ensure good ventilation around panels as it helps dissipate heat efficiently.
Remember that while these factors may affect production slightly from time to time; overall this location is quite ideal for harnessing solar energy all year round given its consistent sunshine exposure relative to many other locations worldwide.
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 41 locations across Mauritius. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Mauritius by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Moka
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -20.2152, Longitude: 57.5157 (Moka, Mauritius), 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 17° North in Moka, Mauritius
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Moka, Mauritius (Lat/Long -20.2152, 57.5157) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 17° North 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 Moka, Mauritius
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 Moka, Mauritius. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 17° North 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 | 26° North in Autumn | 36° North in Winter | 13° 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 Moka, Mauritius
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 Moka, Mauritius.
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 Moka, Mauritius
Moka, located in the central plateau of Mauritius, features a relatively hilly topography with elevations ranging from 203 to 425 meters above sea level. The region is characterized by its lush green landscapes and mountainous terrain such as Le Pouce and Pieter Both mountains.
The region has significant potential for solar PV development due to its high annual sunshine hours. However, the hilly and mountainous terrain may present some challenges for large-scale installations. Flatter areas or those with gentle slopes would be preferable for such projects to minimize installation costs and maximize efficiency.
Areas like Plaine Wilhems District which includes urban areas like Quatre Bornes, Vacoas-Phoenix could potentially be suitable given their flatter terrains compared to Moka's central plateau. Alternatively, rooftops in urbanized areas of Moka can also be utilized for smaller scale distributed solar PV systems.
It's important to note that any large-scale solar project should also consider factors beyond just topography - including access to transmission infrastructure, proximity to load centers (areas of high electricity demand), environmental impacts, land use conflicts among others. Detailed site-specific studies would therefore be needed before making a definitive conclusion on suitability.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Sunday 14th of July 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.
