Omdurman, Khartoum, Sudan, located at 15.6471°N, 32.475°E, presents a favorable environment for solar energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the tropics, this location benefits from consistent sunlight and experiences seasons primarily characterized by wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature variations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy potential in Omdurman remains relatively stable across all seasons, with some variations:

• Spring: 8.05 kWh/day (highest output)
• Summer: 7.22 kWh/day
• Autumn: 6.83 kWh/day
• Winter: 6.40 kWh/day (lowest output)

These figures represent the expected daily electricity output per kilowatt of installed solar capacity.

Optimal Solar Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Omdurman, Khartoum, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 14 degrees facing South. This angle ensures optimal exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.

Peak Generation Periods

The most productive time for solar energy generation in Omdurman is during the spring months, with output peaking at 8.05 kWh/day. However, the relatively small variation between seasons means that solar panels can operate efficiently year-round, with even the lowest output in winter (6.40 kWh/day) still providing substantial energy generation.

Environmental Considerations

While Omdurman's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider: 1. Dust and sand: The region's arid climate can lead to dust accumulation on solar panels, potentially reducing their efficiency. Regular cleaning and maintenance of panels is crucial to maintain optimal performance. 2. High temperatures: Although sunlight is abundant, extreme heat can slightly decrease solar panel efficiency. Choosing heat-resistant panels and ensuring proper ventilation during installation can help mitigate this issue.

To address these challenges, consider implementing dust-resistant coatings on solar panels and scheduling regular cleaning. Additionally, installing panels with a slight elevation to allow airflow underneath can help dissipate heat and maintain efficiency.

Overall, Omdurman's location offers excellent potential for solar energy generation, with consistent output throughout the year and only minor environmental challenges that can be effectively managed with proper planning and maintenance.

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

Link: Solar PV potential in Sudan by location

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

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 15.6471, Longitude: 32.475 (Omdurman, 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 14° South in Omdurman, Sudan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Omdurman, Sudan (Lat/Long 15.6471, 32.475) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 14° 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 Omdurman, 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 Omdurman, Sudan. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 14° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
0° in Summer	21° South in Autumn	31° South in Winter	9° 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 Omdurman, 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 Omdurman, 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 Omdurman, Sudan

The topography around Omdurman, Sudan, is characterized by a relatively flat landscape with some gentle undulations. Situated on the western bank of the Nile River, Omdurman is part of the larger Khartoum metropolitan area, which includes the capital city of Khartoum and Khartoum North. The terrain in this region is predominantly desert and semi-desert, with sandy and rocky areas interspersed throughout the landscape. The Nile River is the most prominent geographical feature in the area, flowing northward and creating a narrow strip of fertile land along its banks. This fertile zone stands in stark contrast to the surrounding arid landscape. As one moves away from the river, the terrain becomes increasingly dry and barren, transitioning into the vast Sahara Desert to the north and west. To the east of Omdurman, across the Nile, lies a slightly more elevated area known as the Khartoum Plain. This plain extends for several kilometers before gradually giving way to low hills and rocky outcrops. To the west and northwest of Omdurman, the land remains relatively flat, with occasional small hills and sand dunes dotting the landscape.

Suitable Areas for Large-scale Solar PV

The regions surrounding Omdurman offer excellent potential for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations due to the area's abundant sunlight and vast open spaces. The most suitable areas for such projects would be the desert regions to the west and northwest of Omdurman. These areas have several advantages: Firstly, they receive ample sunlight throughout the year, with minimal cloud cover and rainfall. This consistent solar radiation is ideal for maximizing energy production from solar PV panels. Secondly, the flat terrain in these desert regions makes construction and maintenance of solar farms more straightforward and cost-effective. Additionally, these areas are sparsely populated, reducing potential conflicts with existing land uses or settlements. The lack of vegetation also means that land clearance would be minimal, further reducing the environmental impact of solar installations. However, it's important to note that while these desert regions offer great potential for solar energy, they also present challenges. The harsh desert environment, with its high temperatures and occasional sandstorms, would require robust and well-maintained equipment. Access to water for cleaning solar panels and cooling systems would also need to be carefully planned. Despite these challenges, the vast, sun-drenched expanses to the west and northwest of Omdurman represent prime locations for harnessing solar energy on a large scale, potentially contributing significantly to Sudan's renewable energy capacity.

Sudan solar PV Stats as a country

Sudan ranks 82nd in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 136 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Sudan is generating 3 Watts from solar PV per capita (Sudan ranks 84th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Sudan?

At this time, there are no incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Sudan. However, the government of Sudan has recently announced plans to increase its renewable energy capacity and is encouraging private sector investment in renewable energy projects. The government has also established a Renewable Energy Fund to support the development of renewable energy projects.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Sudan? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!

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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.