Solar PV Analysis of Emalahleni, South Africa
Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, South Africa, is generally a good location for solar energy production throughout the year. Here's a breakdown in simple terms:
1. Year-round performance:
The location provides decent solar energy production in all seasons, with some variation:
- Spring is the best season, producing about 6.92 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar panels.
- Summer is the second-best, generating about 6.52 kWh per day.
- Autumn is still good, producing about 5.94 kWh per day.
- Winter has the lowest output but is still reasonable at 4.98 kWh per day.
This means that while there is some seasonal variation, the location maintains good solar energy production year-round. The best times for solar generation are during spring and summer, from about September to February.
2. Panel installation:
For fixed panel installations, the ideal angle to tilt the panels for maximum year-round production is 24 degrees facing North. This angle helps optimize energy capture across all seasons.
3. Potential challenges and solutions:
There are a few factors that could impact solar production in Emalahleni:
a) Air pollution: Emalahleni is known for its coal mining industry, which can lead to air pollution. Dust and particulate matter in the air can reduce solar panel efficiency. To address this:
- Regular cleaning of panels is essential.
- Consider installing panels at a slight angle to allow rain to wash off some dust.
- Use anti-soiling coatings on panels to reduce dust accumulation.
b) Hail: The region can experience hailstorms, which could potentially damage solar panels. To mitigate this risk:
- Use hail-resistant solar panels.
- Install protective covers that can be deployed during severe weather.
c) Lightning: South Africa experiences frequent thunderstorms. To protect against lightning damage:
- Install a proper grounding system.
- Use surge protectors in the solar power system.
Despite these challenges, with proper installation and maintenance, Emalahleni remains a good location for solar energy production. The consistent year-round solar radiation makes it a viable option for renewable energy generation.
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 Emalahleni
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -25.8677, Longitude: 29.2319 (Emalahleni, 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 24° North in Emalahleni, South Africa
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Emalahleni, South Africa (Lat/Long -25.8677, 29.2319) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 24° 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 Emalahleni, 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 Emalahleni, South Africa. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 24° 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 | 31° 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 Emalahleni, 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 Emalahleni, 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 Emalahleni, South Africa
Emalahleni, formerly known as Witbank, is located in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. The topography of the area surrounding Emalahleni is characterized by the following features:
1. Highveld plateau: Emalahleni is situated on the Highveld plateau, which is a large, relatively flat elevated area with an average altitude of around 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) above sea level.
2. Rolling hills: The landscape consists of gently rolling hills and grasslands, typical of the Highveld region.
3. Coal-rich area: The region is known for its extensive coal deposits, which have led to significant mining activities in the area.
4. River systems: The area is drained by several rivers, including the Olifants River and its tributaries.
5. Man-made features: Due to extensive mining activities, there are numerous mine dumps, open-cast mines, and rehabilitated areas in the vicinity.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, several factors should be considered:
1. Flat or gently sloping terrain: The rolling hills of the Highveld provide many suitable locations for solar PV installations.
2. High solar irradiance: The region generally receives good solar radiation, making it suitable for solar energy production.
3. Proximity to existing infrastructure: Areas close to power lines and substations would be advantageous for connecting to the grid.
4. Minimal environmental impact: Rehabilitated mining areas or degraded lands could be ideal locations for solar farms, as they would have less impact on natural habitats.
5. Avoiding prime agricultural land: It's important to select areas that do not compete with valuable agricultural activities.
Considering these factors, some potentially suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Emalahleni might include:
1. Rehabilitated mine sites: There are numerous former mining areas around Emalahleni that could be repurposed for solar energy production.
2. Open grasslands: The surrounding Highveld grasslands, particularly those not used for agriculture, could be suitable for solar installations.
3. Areas south and southwest of Emalahleni: These regions tend to have slightly flatter terrain and may be less impacted by mining activities.
4. Regions along major roads: Areas along the N4 highway or other major roads might offer good access to infrastructure while utilizing land that is already partially developed.
It's important to note that detailed site assessments, environmental impact studies, and consultations with local authorities and communities would be necessary to determine the most appropriate locations for large-scale solar PV installations in the area.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 16th of July 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
Tell Us About Your Work
We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.
Feeling generous?
Share this with your friends!
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.
