Solar PV Analysis of Centurion, South Africa
The location at Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa is quite suitable for generating energy through solar PV throughout the year. The amount of electricity produced from each kW of installed solar varies by season, with the highest output in Spring (7.03kWh/day), followed by Summer (6.40kWh/day), Autumn (5.89kWh/day) and Winter (4.97kWh/day). This means that the most ideal times to generate solar power at this location are during Spring and Summer when sunlight is abundant.
For a fixed panel installation in this area, tilting the panels 25 degrees North will yield maximum yearly production from your solar PV system.
However, local factors such as weather conditions could potentially affect solar production here. The region experiences seasonal rainfall which can reduce sunlight exposure and thus lower energy generation from your panels during those periods.
To overcome these challenges, you may consider installing a tracking system that follows the sun's movement across the sky to maximize sunlight capture or using panels designed to perform well under low light conditions. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your panels can also help ensure they function efficiently even under less than ideal weather circumstances.
Also remember that while rain might temporarily decrease productivity, it also helps keep the panels clean and cool - enhancing their overall efficiency over time.
Note: The Southern Sub Tropics extend from -23.5° latitude South down to -35° latitude.
So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 196 locations across South Africa. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in South Africa by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Centurion
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -25.8775, Longitude: 28.168 (Centurion, South Africa), 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 25° North in Centurion, South Africa
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Centurion, South Africa (Lat/Long -25.8775, 28.168) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 25° 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 Centurion, South Africa
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 Centurion, South Africa. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 25° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10° North in Summer | 32° North in Autumn | 41° North in Winter | 20° 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 Centurion, South Africa
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 Centurion, South Africa.
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 Centurion, South Africa
Centurion, South Africa is located in the Gauteng Province, which is characterized by a relatively flat and plateau-like landscape. The area has an average elevation of around 1,500 meters above sea level. There are some undulating hills and valleys but overall, it's mostly flat.
The region receives ample sunlight throughout the year making it suitable for solar PV installations. However, specific suitability for large-scale solar PV would depend on several factors such as land availability, land use restrictions or regulations, proximity to transmission lines or substations etc.
A few potential areas nearby that may be suited for large-scale solar PV could be:
1) Open farmlands: The open farmlands surrounding Centurion could potentially be used for large scale solar projects provided they meet other criteria like access to grid connection points etc.
2) Industrial zones: Large industrial zones with available roof space can also host significant capacity of rooftop solar installations.
3) Unused lands near highways: These areas often have good infrastructure connectivity and can be considered for setting up ground-mounted solar farms if there are no legal restrictions.
It should however be noted that any decision on setting up a large scale Solar PV project must consider local laws related to land use and environmental impact along with technical feasibility studies conducted by professionals in the field.
South Africa solar PV Stats as a country
South Africa ranks 21st in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 6,221 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 2.00% of South Africa's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 34th in the world). Each year South Africa is generating 105 Watts from solar PV per capita (South Africa ranks 38th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in South Africa?
Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in South Africa. The government offers a range of financial incentives and tax breaks for businesses that invest in renewable energy projects. These include the Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff (REFIT) program, which provides long-term contracts with guaranteed prices for electricity generated from renewable sources; the Accelerated Depreciation Allowance (ADA), which allows businesses to deduct up to 50% of their capital expenditure on renewable energy projects from their taxable income; and the Small Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) program, which provides financial support for small-scale solar installations. Additionally, some local governments offer grants or subsidies to help offset the cost of installing solar systems.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in South Africa? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 29th of May 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.
