Malakal, Upper Nile, South Sudan, located at 9.5334° N, 31.6605° 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 variations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar PV installations in Malakal demonstrate robust performance across all seasons. Spring yields the highest output at 6.69 kWh/day per kW installed, closely followed by winter at 6.42 kWh/day. Autumn produces 5.86 kWh/day, while summer, despite being the least productive season, still generates a respectable 5.01 kWh/day.

The relatively small variation between seasons indicates that Malakal is an excellent location for year-round solar energy production. The peak performance during spring and winter suggests these seasons are particularly advantageous for solar generation.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed panel installations in Malakal, Upper Nile, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 10 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the location's proximity to the equator and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental Considerations

While Malakal's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

1. Dust and sand: The region's dry seasons can lead to increased dust and sand in the air, potentially reducing panel efficiency.
2. Heavy rainfall: During the wet season, frequent and intense rains could temporarily reduce solar output.

To mitigate these issues, several preventative measures can be implemented:

• Regular cleaning: Establish a routine cleaning schedule for solar panels to remove dust and sand buildup.
• Water-resistant installations: Ensure proper sealing and waterproofing of all electrical components to protect against heavy rains.
• Elevated mounting: Install panels at a height that minimizes dust accumulation and allows for natural cleaning during rainfall.
• Anti-soiling coatings: Apply specialized coatings to panel surfaces to reduce dust adhesion and improve self-cleaning properties.

By implementing these measures, solar installations in Malakal can maintain high efficiency and capitalize on the location's excellent solar potential throughout the year.

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 Malakal

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 9.5334, Longitude: 31.6605 (Malakal, 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:

Average 5.01kWh/day in Summer.

Average 5.86kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 6.42kWh/day in Winter.

Average 6.69kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 10° South in Malakal, South Sudan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Malakal, South Sudan (Lat/Long 9.5334, 31.6605) 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.

At Latitude: 9.5334, Longitude: 31.6605, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 10° South

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

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 Malakal, 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 Malakal, 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 Malakal, South Sudan

The topography around Malakal, South Sudan, is characterized by relatively flat terrain with subtle variations in elevation. This area is part of the vast Sudd wetland region, which is dominated by the White Nile River and its tributaries. The landscape consists primarily of low-lying floodplains and grasslands, with occasional patches of swamps and marshes.

The elevation in and around Malakal is generally low, ranging from about 380 to 400 meters (1,250 to 1,310 feet) above sea level. The terrain is gently undulating, with slight rises and depressions that are barely noticeable to the naked eye. The White Nile River, which flows north through this region, has a significant influence on the local topography, creating natural levees and floodplains along its course.

For large-scale solar PV installations, the areas most suited would be the slightly elevated, drier lands away from the immediate vicinity of the White Nile and its floodplains. These locations would offer several advantages:

1. Reduced risk of flooding, which is crucial for protecting solar infrastructure
2. Better drainage, preventing water accumulation that could damage equipment
3. Potentially clearer skies, as areas further from water bodies may experience less localized cloud formation
4. Easier access for construction and maintenance, as the ground is likely to be more stable

Ideal sites would be found on the gently sloping terrain to the east and west of Malakal, where the land gradually rises away from the river. These areas would provide a good balance between flat, easily developable land and sufficient elevation to avoid flood risks.

However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project in this region would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, particularly on the delicate wetland ecosystem. Additionally, thorough site-specific surveys would be necessary to determine the most suitable locations, taking into account factors such as soil stability, local weather patterns, and accessibility for construction and grid connection.

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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.

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