Solar PV Analysis of Windhoek, Namibia
Windhoek, Khomas, Namibia is a good location for generating solar power year-round due to its tropical climate. This means that the sun shines consistently throughout most of the year. The energy that can be generated from solar panels varies slightly with the seasons, but it remains relatively high all year round. In summer, you can expect to generate around 7.93 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar capacity; in autumn, this decreases slightly to 6.36 kWh/day; in winter it further reduces to 5.64 kWh/day; and then increases again in spring to 8.31 kWh/day.
The best times of the year for generating solar power are during summer and spring when sunlight is abundant and energy generation is at its peak.
If you're considering installing fixed panel solar installations at this location, tilting your panels at an angle of 21 degrees facing North will maximize your total energy production throughout the year.
However, there may be certain local factors that could potentially affect your ability to generate solar power here - although these would need detailed investigation based on specific site conditions.
For instance, Windhoek's topography might present some challenges if there are hills or other structures that could block sunlight reaching your panels. It's also worth noting that while Windhoek has a generally dry climate which is good for solar power generation, it does have a wet season which might reduce output temporarily due to cloud cover or rainfall.
To overcome these potential issues:
1) Carefully choose where you install your panels so they're not shaded by hills or buildings.
2) Clean your panels regularly especially during rainy periods as dust and dirt accumulation can reduce their efficiency.
3) Consider installing tracking systems which allow your panels to move with the sun’s path across the sky maximizing exposure even on shorter winter days.
4) Use weather-resistant materials and proper installation techniques to protect your system from potential damage during the wet season.
Remember, these are general suggestions and specific conditions at your site might require different solutions. It's always best to consult with a local solar installation expert when planning your project.
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 Windhoek
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -22.5674, Longitude: 17.0849 (Windhoek, 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 21° North in Windhoek, Namibia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Windhoek, Namibia (Lat/Long -22.5674, 17.0849) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 21° 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 Windhoek, 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 Windhoek, Namibia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 21° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7° 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 Windhoek, 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 Windhoek, 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 Windhoek, Namibia
Windhoek is located in the central highlands of Namibia, so the topography around Windhoek is mostly hilly with some flat areas. The nearby area that would be most suitable for large scale solar PV installations are those flat areas which have good access to direct sunlight and minimal shading from trees or other structures. The surrounding hills can also provide a great location for solar installations as they can be used to maximize exposure to direct sunlight while minimizing any shading issues.
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: Tuesday 25th of October 2022
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.
