Bentiu, Unity, South Sudan, located at 9.2572° N, 29.7983° E, presents a favorable environment for solar energy generation throughout the year. This tropical location benefits from consistent sunlight, with seasons primarily characterized by wet and dry periods rather than temperature extremes.

Solar Energy Potential

The solar energy potential in Bentiu is impressive, with substantial electricity output possible across all seasons. Spring stands out as the most productive period, yielding an average of 6.90 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Winter follows closely with 6.51 kWh/day, while autumn and summer produce 6.08 kWh/day and 5.49 kWh/day, respectively. These figures indicate that Bentiu is an excellent location for solar PV installations, with strong potential throughout the year. The relatively small variation between seasons suggests a reliable and consistent energy supply, which is advantageous for planning and managing power needs.

Optimal Panel Positioning

For fixed solar panel installations in Bentiu, Unity, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 10 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated taking into account the location's latitude, the Earth's orbit, and daily solar elevation angles, weighted by NASA's solar irradiance data.

Environmental Considerations

While Bentiu offers great potential for solar energy, there are some environmental factors to consider: 1. Dust and sand: The region's dry seasons can lead to accumulation of dust and sand on solar panels, potentially reducing their efficiency. 2. Heavy rainfall: During the wet season, intense rainfall could temporarily reduce solar output. To mitigate these issues, regular cleaning of solar panels should be incorporated into maintenance routines. Additionally, installing panels at the recommended 10-degree tilt can help with natural cleaning during rainfall and reduce dust accumulation. Robust mounting systems should be used to withstand potential strong winds, and lightning protection should be installed to safeguard the system during storms. By addressing these environmental factors through proper installation and maintenance practices, Bentiu can fully capitalize on its excellent solar energy potential, providing a reliable and sustainable power source for the community.

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 8 locations across South Sudan. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in South Sudan by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Bentiu

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 9.2572, Longitude: 29.7983 (Bentiu, South Sudan), 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 10° South in Bentiu, South Sudan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bentiu, South Sudan (Lat/Long 9.2572, 29.7983) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 10° 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 Bentiu, South Sudan

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 Bentiu, South Sudan. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 10° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
7° North in Summer	16° South in Autumn	25° South in Winter	3° 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 Bentiu, South Sudan

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 Bentiu, South Sudan.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Bentiu, South Sudan

Bentiu, located in South Sudan at coordinates 9.2572°N, 29.7983°E, is situated in a region characterized by relatively flat terrain. The area surrounding Bentiu is part of the vast Sudd wetland, which is one of the world's largest swamps. This unique landscape consists of extensive floodplains, grasslands, and seasonal marshes. The topography around Bentiu is predominantly low-lying, with minimal elevation changes. The land is generally flat, with occasional gentle slopes and small undulations. During the rainy season, which typically occurs from May to October, much of the surrounding area becomes inundated, creating a complex network of shallow water bodies and seasonally flooded grasslands.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The flat terrain around Bentiu offers advantages for solar development, as it reduces the need for extensive land preparation and allows for easier installation of solar panels. The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV would likely be found on slightly elevated ground that remains dry year-round. These locations would ideally be situated away from the seasonal floodplains to avoid the risk of inundation during the rainy season. Areas with good drainage and stable soil conditions would be preferable to ensure the longevity and efficiency of the solar installations. Regions to the north and east of Bentiu, where the terrain gradually transitions to drier savanna, might offer more favorable conditions for solar PV development. These areas typically experience less flooding and have more consistent ground conditions throughout the year. It's important to note that while the flat topography is advantageous for solar installations, other factors such as proximity to existing infrastructure, access to the electrical grid, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar PV projects in the vicinity of Bentiu.

Citation Guide

Article Details for Citation

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.