Solar PV Analysis of Aussenkehr, Namibia
Aussenkehr, Karas Region, Namibia, located in the Southern Sub Tropics, offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation. This site, situated at latitude -28.3627 and longitude 17.4127, experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production throughout the year.
Seasonal Solar Output
The solar energy output at Aussenkehr varies considerably across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 9.15 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 8.12 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease to 5.99 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 4.61 kWh/day per kW installed.
Optimal Times for Solar Generation
The location's position in the Southern Hemisphere means that the most ideal times for solar energy production are during the summer months (December to February) and spring (September to November). These seasons benefit from longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight, resulting in higher energy yields.
Panel Tilt Angle
For fixed panel installations at Aussenkehr, Karas Region, the optimal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 25 degrees facing North. This angle helps to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the sun's changing position across seasons.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Aussenkehr generally provides favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some factors to consider:
- Dust and sand: The arid climate may lead to dust accumulation on panels, potentially reducing efficiency.
- High temperatures: Extreme heat during summer months could slightly decrease panel efficiency.
To mitigate these issues, regular panel cleaning and maintenance should be implemented. Additionally, choosing high-quality, heat-resistant panels and ensuring proper ventilation during installation can help maintain optimal performance in high temperatures.
Overall, Aussenkehr presents a highly suitable location for solar PV energy generation, with its abundant sunlight and clear skies providing excellent conditions for solar power production throughout most of the year.
Note: The Southern Sub Tropics extend from -23.5° latitude South down to -35° latitude.
So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 13 locations across Namibia. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Namibia by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Aussenkehr
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -28.3627, Longitude: 17.4127 (Aussenkehr, Namibia), 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 25° North in Aussenkehr, Namibia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Aussenkehr, Namibia (Lat/Long -28.3627, 17.4127) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 25° 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 Aussenkehr, Namibia
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 Aussenkehr, Namibia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 25° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12° North in Summer | 33° North in Autumn | 44° North in Winter | 22° 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 Aussenkehr, Namibia
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 Aussenkehr, Namibia.
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 Aussenkehr, Namibia
The area around Aussenkehr, Namibia, is characterized by a rugged and arid landscape typical of the Namib Desert region. The topography is dominated by vast, flat plains interspersed with rocky outcrops and low hills. The Orange River, which forms the border between Namibia and South Africa, flows nearby, creating a striking contrast between the lush river valley and the surrounding desert terrain.
The land surrounding Aussenkehr is generally flat to gently undulating, with occasional steep slopes and escarpments. The soil is predominantly sandy and rocky, with sparse vegetation consisting mainly of drought-resistant shrubs and grasses. The region experiences very little rainfall, with clear skies and intense sunlight throughout most of the year.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would be:
- Flat or gently sloping areas: These provide easier and more cost-effective installation of solar panels and supporting infrastructure.
- Areas with minimal shading: Locations away from hills or mountains that could cast shadows on the panels during parts of the day are preferable.
- Regions with good road access: This facilitates the transportation of equipment and maintenance of the solar farm.
- Areas not prone to flooding: While rare in this arid region, it's important to avoid low-lying areas near the Orange River that might be at risk during extreme weather events.
Based on these criteria, the expansive desert plains to the north and east of Aussenkehr would likely be the most suitable for large-scale solar PV projects. These areas offer vast, unobstructed spaces with excellent solar exposure and minimal competing land uses. The region's high levels of solar radiation and low cloud cover make it an ideal location for solar energy production.
However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar development would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, particularly in terms of water usage and potential effects on the fragile desert ecosystem. Additionally, the distance to major population centers and the electrical grid would need to be factored into the planning of such projects.
Namibia solar PV Stats as a country
Namibia ranks 79th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 145 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Namibia is generating 57 Watts from solar PV per capita (Namibia ranks 49th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Namibia?
Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Namibia. The government of Namibia has implemented a number of policies and initiatives 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 rooftop photovoltaic systems, and grants for research and development projects related to renewable energy. Additionally, the government has established a Renewable Energy Fund which provides financial support to businesses that wish to invest in renewable energy projects.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Namibia? 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: Saturday 28th of September 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.
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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.
