Solar PV Analysis of Midrand, South Africa
Situated at latitude -25.9766 and longitude 28.1144, Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa is a favorable location for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations due to its consistent and substantial solar energy yield throughout the year. The average energy production per kilowatt of installed solar capacity varies across seasons: Summer provides an average of 6.40 kWh/day, Autumn yields about 5.89 kWh/day, Winter generates approximately 4.97 kWh/day, while Spring offers the highest output with an estimated 7.03 kWh/day.
This variation in seasonal power generation can be attributed to the changing sun exposure levels during different times of the year; spring and summer months typically receive higher sun exposure compared to autumn and winter.
For fixed panel installations in this location, it is recommended that panels are tilted at an angle of 25 degrees towards North for optimal sunlight absorption.
However, it's worth noting that Midrand lies within the Southern Sub Tropics region where weather conditions such as strong winds or heavy rainfall could potentially impede solar power generation by causing physical damage to the panels or reducing sunlight exposure.
To mitigate these risks when installing solar PV systems in this area, several preventative measures can be taken into consideration such as using robust mounting structures that can withstand high wind speeds and incorporating effective drainage systems around the installation site to prevent water accumulation during heavy rainfall periods.
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 Midrand
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -25.9766, Longitude: 28.1144 (Midrand, 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 Midrand, South Africa
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Midrand, South Africa (Lat/Long -25.9766, 28.1144) 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 Midrand, 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 Midrand, 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 Midrand, 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 Midrand, 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 Midrand, South Africa
The topography of Midrand, South Africa is generally flat with some rolling hills. The highest elevation in the area is approximately 1,500 meters above sea level. Areas around Midrand that would be most suitable for large-scale solar PV installations are those with ample open space and unobstructed access to sunlight. Examples include rooftops, open fields or parking lots, and other flat surfaces such as sports fields or golf courses. Additionally, areas located near highways or major roads could provide good locations for solar PV arrays due to their easy accessibility and potential for higher visibility.
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 29th of August 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.
