Solar PV Analysis of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria (latitude: 4.7731, longitude: 7.0085), solar energy generation is quite promising due to its consistent sunlight exposure throughout the year and relatively high average daily energy production per kilowatt of installed solar capacity. During summer, the average output is 4.01 kWh/day per kW; in autumn, it increases to 4.37 kWh/day per kW; winter sees a further rise to 5.24 kWh/day per kW; and during springtime, it slightly drops to 4.95 kWh/day per kW.
Although rainfall may occasionally impact energy production levels at certain times of the year, Port Harcourt's overall suitability for harnessing solar power remains largely unaffected by weather-related challenges. At this location, the optimal angle for fixed-panel installations is a southward tilt of six degrees.
It is important to consider any significant environmental or local factors that could potentially impede solar production at this site when designing and installing a system so as to ensure maximum efficiency and output levels are achieved year-round.
One potential concern in Port Harcourt could be dust accumulation on solar panels that can result from nearby construction activities or general urban pollution – regular maintenance and cleaning would help mitigate this issue.
Another consideration might be shading caused by surrounding buildings or vegetation – selecting an installation site with minimal obstructions will help maximize sun exposure for the panels throughout the day.
By taking these factors into account during planning and implementation stages, it's possible to optimize solar power generation in Port Harcourt while minimizing any potential disruptions caused by local conditions or environmental factors.
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 27 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
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Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Port Harcourt
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 4.7731, Longitude: 7.0085 (Port Harcourt, 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 6° South in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Port Harcourt, Nigeria (Lat/Long 4.7731, 7.0085) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 6° 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 Port Harcourt, 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 Port Harcourt, Nigeria. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 6° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11° North in Summer | 12° South in Autumn | 21° South in Winter | 2° 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.
Topography for solar PV around Port Harcourt, Nigeria
The topography around Port Harcourt, Nigeria is quite flat with rolling hills. The area has a tropical climate and receives plenty of sunlight throughout the year. Areas that are most suited to large-scale solar PV installations would be those that have direct access to ample amounts of sunlight and minimal shading from trees or other obstructions. Locations such as open fields, rooftops, parking lots, and industrial areas are ideal for solar PV systems.
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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.
