Solar PV Analysis of Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Situated within the tropics, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria (latitude: 7.5052, longitude: 4.5311) offers a favorable environment for solar photovoltaic (PV) generation due to the consistent sunlight received throughout most of the year. Unlike many other locations where seasons are defined by temperature or light level changes, this region experiences wet and dry periods that characterize its seasons.
The average energy production in each season is quite significant. In summer, each installed kilowatt of solar capacity generates an average of 4.42 kWh per day. This figure rises to 5.21 kWh in autumn and continues to increase with winter and spring yielding an average daily output of 5.36 kWh and 5.51 kWh per kW respectively.
Despite these promising figures, it's important to note that certain environmental factors could potentially impede solar production at this location. Heavy rainfall or cloudy conditions can negatively impact power generation as they reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the panels.
Preventative measures can be taken during installation to mitigate these potential issues and ensure greater energy production efficiency; one such measure is tilting the panels at an optimal angle - in this case, a tilt towards south by eight degrees is recommended for fixed panel installations at this location.
This ideal tilt angle allows for maximum sun exposure throughout different times of day and year while also facilitating rainwater runoff from panel surfaces during heavy showers – reducing soiling losses (reduction in power output due to dirt/dust accumulation on panel surface) thus ensuring efficient operation even under less than ideal weather conditions.
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 50 locations across Nigeria. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Nigeria by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Ile-Ife
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 7.5052, Longitude: 4.5311 (Ile-Ife, Nigeria), 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 8° South in Ile-Ife, Nigeria
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Ile-Ife, Nigeria (Lat/Long 7.5052, 4.5311) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 8° South 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 Ile-Ife, Nigeria
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 Ile-Ife, Nigeria. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 8° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9° North in Summer | 14° South in Autumn | 23° South in Winter | 1° South 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 Ile-Ife, Nigeria
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 Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
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 Ile-Ife, Nigeria
The topography around Ile-Ife, Nigeria is predominantly flat with some rolling hills. Areas that would be most suited to large scale solar PV installations in the immediate vicinity of Ile-Ife would include open fields and other areas with minimal obstructions such as trees or buildings. The terrain should also be relatively free from shading by nearby structures or vegetation for optimal solar energy production.
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Sunday 20th of August 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.
