Solar PV Analysis of Nkurenkuru, Namibia
The location at Nkurenkuru, Kavango West, Namibia is quite ideal for generating energy via solar PV throughout the year due to its tropical climate. This means that sunlight is consistent most of the year and seasons are more characterized by wet and dry periods than extreme temperature changes.
In terms of electricity output per kW of installed solar, you can expect 6.35kWh/day in both summer and autumn, slightly less (5.83kWh/day) in winter, and the highest output in spring with 7.20 kWh/day per kW of installed solar.
This indicates that spring would be the most efficient time for generating solar power at this location due to higher daily energy production. However, even during winter months when sunlight might be less intense or days are shorter, there's still a decent amount of energy produced which makes it viable for year-round operation.
If you're installing fixed panel installations here, tilting your panels towards an angle of 17 degrees North would maximize total yearly production from your solar PV system.
As far as environmental or local factors go that could impede solar production at this location - since it's a tropical area there could potentially be issues with heavy rainfall or dust storms during certain times of the year which might affect panel efficiency by blocking sunlight or dirtying panels. To mitigate these potential issues one could consider weather-resistant designs/materials for their installation and regular cleaning/maintenance schedules to keep panels clear from dust or debris build-up.
It should also be noted that while these factors may occasionally impact performance they aren't expected to significantly disrupt overall annual energy production given the consistently high levels of sun exposure throughout most days/seasons at this location.
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 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 Nkurenkuru
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -17.6359, Longitude: 18.624 (Nkurenkuru, 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 17° North in Nkurenkuru, Namibia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Nkurenkuru, Namibia (Lat/Long -17.6359, 18.624) 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 Nkurenkuru, 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 Nkurenkuru, Namibia. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1° North in Summer | 24° North in Autumn | 33° North in Winter | 11° 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 Nkurenkuru, 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 Nkurenkuru, 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 Nkurenkuru, Namibia
Nkurenkuru is located in the Kavango West region of northern Namibia. The topography around Nkurenkuru is relatively flat and covered by savannah, which makes it suitable for large-scale solar PV installations.
The area receives a high amount of sunlight throughout the year, making it ideal for solar power generation. Furthermore, the lack of mountains or tall structures in the vicinity means that there would be minimal shading on a potential solar farm.
In terms of specific areas nearby that are most suited to large-scale solar PV, this would likely depend on factors such as land ownership and access to grid infrastructure. However, given the overall flatness and high insolation in the region surrounding Nkurenkuru, many locations could potentially be suitable.
It's important to note that while physical geography plays an important role in site selection for renewable energy projects like solar farms; other factors such as environmental impact assessments (including impacts on local flora and fauna), connection to electricity transmission networks or grids, socio-economic impacts (such as job creation) also need to be considered before finalizing a location.
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!
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Sunday 21st of April 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.
