Solar PV Analysis of Dakar, Senegal
Dakar, Senegal (latitude 14.6935, longitude -17.448) is a prime location for solar power generation due to its consistent sunlight exposure throughout the year as it is situated within the Tropics. The average energy production per day per kW of installed solar panels in each season is 6.23 kWh in Summer, 5.99 kWh in Autumn, 5.41 kWh in Winter, and 7.47 kWh in Spring; indicating that Spring has the highest energy yield while Winter has the lowest.
To optimize energy output from solar panels at this location, they should be tilted at an angle of 13 degrees towards the South since Dakar is near the Equator and experiences minimal variation in sunlight during different seasons throughout the year.
Although occasional rain showers or cloudy days may temporarily reduce energy production from solar PV systems in Dakar, these weather events are not frequent enough to significantly impact overall energy generation over time.
In summary, Dakar's sunny and dry climate with only sporadic rainfall makes it an excellent location for generating solar power year-round using fixed panel installations tilted at a 13-degree angle towards the South.
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 6 locations across Senegal. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Senegal by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Dakar
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 14.6935, Longitude: -17.448 (Dakar, Senegal), 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° South in Dakar, Senegal
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Dakar, Senegal (Lat/Long 14.6935, -17.448) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 13° 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 Dakar, Senegal
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 Dakar, Senegal. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 13° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2° North in Summer | 20° South in Autumn | 30° South in Winter | 8° 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 Dakar, Senegal
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 Dakar, Senegal.
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 Dakar, Senegal
The topography around Dakar, Senegal is generally flat with some rolling hills. The nearby areas that would be most suited to large scale solar PV are the coastal plains and the open savannahs. These areas offer plenty of space for large-scale installations and have good access to direct sunlight throughout the year.
Senegal solar PV Stats as a country
Senegal ranks 69th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 238 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Senegal is generating 14 Watts from solar PV per capita (Senegal ranks 69th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Senegal?
Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Senegal. The government of Senegal has implemented a number of policies and programs to promote the use of renewable energy sources, including solar energy. These include tax exemptions on imported equipment used for renewable energy projects, subsidies for the installation of solar systems, and access to low-interest loans from international development banks. Additionally, the government has established a Renewable Energy Fund that provides grants and other financial support for renewable energy projects.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Senegal? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 18th of May 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.
