Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, located at 7.7311°N, 8.5211°E, is generally an excellent location for solar PV energy generation year-round. Here's a summary in simple terms:

The solar energy output is consistently high throughout the year, with only slight variations between seasons. This is typical for tropical locations, where sunlight is abundant and relatively constant. The seasons in Makurdi are characterized more by wet and dry periods rather than traditional spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

Let's break down the energy output:

1. Winter (dry season): 6.15 kWh/day - Highest output
2. Spring (transition): 5.93 kWh/day
3. Autumn (wet season): 5.48 kWh/day
4. Summer (wet season): 4.84 kWh/day - Lowest output

Even though "winter" produces the most energy, it's important to remember that this doesn't mean cold weather. In Makurdi, Benue State, winter corresponds to the dry season, which typically has clearer skies and thus more direct sunlight.

The best times for solar energy generation are during the dry season, which usually runs from November to March. This period coincides with "winter" and early "spring" in the data provided, showing the highest energy output.

For fixed panel installations, the ideal tilt angle is 8 degrees facing South. This relatively low angle is due to Makurdi's proximity to the equator, where the sun passes almost directly overhead.

Regarding potential impediments to solar production:

1. Rainy season: The wet season (roughly April to October) may slightly reduce solar output due to increased cloud cover and rainfall. However, the impact is not severe, as evidenced by the still-good production numbers during "summer" and "autumn."

2. Dust and harmattan: During the dry season, dust from the Sahara Desert can be carried by winds (harmattan), potentially coating solar panels and reducing efficiency.

Preventative measures:

1. Regular cleaning: Implement a consistent cleaning schedule, especially during the dry season, to remove dust and debris from panels.

2. Quality equipment: Use solar panels and equipment designed to withstand high temperatures and humidity.

3. Proper installation: Ensure panels are securely installed to withstand potential strong winds during storms in the rainy season.

4. Monitoring systems: Implement real-time monitoring to quickly identify and address any drops in efficiency.

Overall, Makurdi's location is highly favorable for solar PV energy generation, with consistent and high output throughout the year. The main challenges are manageable with proper planning and maintenance.

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 Makurdi

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 7.7311, Longitude: 8.5211 (Makurdi, 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:

Average 4.84kWh/day in Summer.

Average 5.48kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 6.15kWh/day in Winter.

Average 5.93kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 8° South in Makurdi, Nigeria

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Makurdi, Nigeria (Lat/Long 7.7311, 8.5211) 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.

At Latitude: 7.7311, Longitude: 8.5211, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 8° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Makurdi, 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 Makurdi, Nigeria. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 8° South tilt angle throughout the year.

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 Makurdi, 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 Makurdi, Nigeria.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Makurdi, Nigeria

Makurdi, the capital of Benue State in Nigeria, is located in the Middle Belt region of the country. The topography around Makurdi is characterized by the following features:

1. Floodplains: Makurdi is situated on the banks of the Benue River, which means there are extensive floodplains in the immediate vicinity of the city.

2. Gentle slopes: The terrain around Makurdi is generally flat to gently undulating, with some low-lying hills in the surrounding areas.

3. Savanna vegetation: The region is part of the Guinea Savanna ecological zone, featuring a mix of grasslands and scattered trees.

4. River valleys: Besides the Benue River, there are smaller rivers and streams in the area, creating small valleys and drainage patterns.

For large-scale solar PV installations, the following areas nearby would be most suited:

1. Open grasslands: Areas with minimal tree cover and relatively flat terrain would be ideal for solar farms. These can be found in the savanna regions surrounding Makurdi.

2. Elevated plateaus: Any nearby elevated areas with good sun exposure and minimal shading from surrounding terrain would be suitable.

3. Agricultural lands: Some of the agricultural areas around Makurdi, particularly those with less productive soil, could be repurposed for solar installations.

4. Areas away from flood zones: It's important to avoid the immediate vicinity of the Benue River and other flood-prone areas to protect the solar infrastructure.

5. Locations with good road access: Areas with existing infrastructure and road networks would be preferable for easier construction and maintenance of solar farms.

6. Regions with minimal forest cover: To reduce environmental impact, areas that don't require extensive deforestation would be more suitable.

When considering specific locations for large-scale solar PV installations, it's crucial to conduct detailed site surveys, environmental impact assessments, and consult with local authorities and communities. Factors such as proximity to the electrical grid, land ownership, and local climate conditions (like dust levels and rainfall patterns) should also be taken into account.

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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.

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