Solar PV Analysis of Swakopmund, Namibia
In Swakopmund, Erongo, Namibia, situated at latitude -22.6838 and longitude 14.5299, the potential for solar power generation is notable due to the city's consistent sunlight exposure throughout the year. The average solar energy production per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity varies by season: it reaches 8.11 kWh in summer, drops to 6.21 kWh in autumn, decreases further to 5.01 kWh during winter months and then rises again to 7.41 kWh in spring.
Given its tropical location, Swakopmund does not experience extreme weather conditions that could significantly hamper solar power production levels on a regular basis; hence making it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy.
For optimal results from fixed panel installations at this locale, panels should ideally be tilted at an angle of 20 degrees facing North to maximize their exposure to sunlight throughout the year.
Environmental factors such as dust accumulation on panels can potentially impede their performance over time; however this can be mitigated through regular cleaning maintenance schedules which will ensure that panels remain effective and efficient in converting sunlight into electricity.
In terms of topography, Swakopmund is relatively flat which allows for easy installation without any significant obstructions like mountains or tall buildings that could potentially block sunlight reaching the panels.
Overall, considering these factors along with its consistent sunlight exposure makes Swakopmund a prime location for generating ample amounts of renewable solar energy all year round.
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 Swakopmund
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -22.6838, Longitude: 14.5299 (Swakopmund, 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 20° North in Swakopmund, Namibia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Swakopmund, Namibia (Lat/Long -22.6838, 14.5299) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 20° 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 Swakopmund, 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 Swakopmund, Namibia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 20° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6° North in Summer | 28° North in Autumn | 38° North in Winter | 16° 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 Swakopmund, 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 Swakopmund, 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 Swakopmund, Namibia
The topography around Swakopmund is generally flat with some rolling hills and sand dunes. The nearby area to the north, south, and east of Swakopmund is mostly flat land which makes it ideal for large-scale solar PV installations. Areas such as Walvis Bay and the Namib Desert are also suitable for large-scale solar PV projects due to their open space and low levels of light pollution.
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: Monday 10th of July 2023
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.
