Solar PV Analysis of Apia, Samoa
The location of Apia, Samoa, which is in the Tropics where sunlight is pretty consistent throughout most of the year, can be considered a good place for generating energy through solar panels all year round. The amount of electricity that can be produced from each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar power varies depending on the season: it's highest in spring at 7.06 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day and lowest in winter at 5.28 kWh/day.
For a fixed panel installation at this location, tilting the panels at an angle of 13 degrees towards North would maximize total yearly production from these solar panels.
However, there might be some factors that could affect solar production here. For instance, during certain seasons like autumn and winter when rainfall is typically higher than other times of year could lead to less sunlight reaching the solar panels due to cloud cover or heavy rain. This would result in less electricity being generated during these periods.
To help ensure greater energy production despite these challenges:
1) Regular cleaning and maintenance: Dirt and debris on the surface of the panel can also reduce its efficiency so regular cleaning especially after heavy rains or storms will help keep them performing optimally.
2) Installing a battery storage system: This allows excess power generated during sunny days to be stored for use during cloudy days or nights when generation may not meet demand.
3) Using high-quality equipment: High-efficiency panels are more expensive but they produce more electricity per square foot than standard ones so they're worth considering if space is limited.
4) Monitoring system performance: Regularly checking your system's output helps identify any issues early before they become bigger problems such as damaged cells or wiring faults.
Overall though, given its tropical climate with consistent sunlight throughout most parts of the year makes Apia an ideal place for harnessing solar power across all seasons with appropriate measures taken into account to deal with potential challenges.
Note: The Tropics are located between 23.5° North and -23.5° South of the equator.
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Apia
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -13.8308, Longitude: -171.7638 (Apia, Samoa), 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 13° North in Apia, Samoa
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Apia, Samoa (Lat/Long -13.8308, -171.7638) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 13° 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 Apia, Samoa
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 Apia, Samoa. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 13° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2° South in Summer | 20° North in Autumn | 29° North in Winter | 8° 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 Apia, Samoa
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 Apia, Samoa.
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 Apia, Samoa
Apia, the capital of Samoa, is situated on the central north coast of Upolu, Samoa's second largest island. The city is nestled between mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The topography around Apia features a mix of steep mountainous regions inland with flatter coastal plains.
The areas most suited to large-scale solar PV installations would be flat or gently sloping terrains that receive maximum sunlight exposure throughout the year. In general, these conditions are often found in coastal plains or cleared agricultural lands.
In terms of specific locations near Apia, potential sites could include:
1) Coastal Plains: These areas typically have less cloud cover and more direct sunlight which makes them ideal for solar farms.
2) Cleared Agricultural Lands: Using already cleared land minimises environmental impact and can also provide dual use benefits if structured correctly (e.g., agrovoltaics).
3) Rooftops: Large industrial buildings in Apia’s urban area may offer substantial rooftop space suitable for solar panels.
It's important to note that any decision on where to place a large scale solar farm should take into account not only topographical considerations but also factors such as proximity to power grid connections, local planning regulations, potential environmental impacts and community attitudes towards such developments.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Friday 7th of June 2024
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.
