Solar PV Analysis of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (latitude: -6.792354, longitude: 39.2083284), solar power generation is highly suitable due to the consistent and reliable sunlight available throughout the year. The average daily energy production per kW of installed solar capacity varies by season, with summer and spring yielding higher values at 6.50 kWh/day and 7.04 kWh/day, respectively, while autumn and winter produce slightly lower amounts at 5.71 kWh/day and 5.58 kWh/day.
Situated within the tropics, Dar es Salaam experiences minimal extreme weather conditions that could negatively impact solar power generation, such as heavy snowfall or strong winds. Instead, seasonal variations in this region are primarily characterized by wet and dry periods rather than significant changes in temperature or daylight hours.
For a fixed panel installation in this location, an ideal tilt angle would be 6 degrees North to maximize energy production throughout the year. While there may be some local factors that could potentially impede solar production – such as shading from nearby buildings or trees – these can generally be mitigated through careful site selection and proper system design during installation.
Overall, Dar es Salaam's favorable climate conditions make it an excellent choice for generating solar power all year round with minimal disruptions due to environmental or topographical factors.
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 Tanzania. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Tanzania by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Dar Es Salaam
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -6.792354, Longitude: 39.2083284 (Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania), 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 6° North in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania (Lat/Long -6.792354, 39.2083284) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 6° 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 Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
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 Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 6° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9° South in Summer | 13° North in Autumn | 22° North in Winter | 0° 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 Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
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 Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
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 Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
The topography around Dar es Salaam, Tanzania is generally flat with a few small hills. The area is mostly composed of low-lying coastal plains, which makes it well suited for large-scale solar PV installations. Areas near the coast and in open plains would be best for installing solar PV systems due to their direct exposure to sunlight and lack of obstructions from trees or buildings. There are also some areas on higher ground that could be suitable for larger scale solar PV systems if they have an adequate amount of space available.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 13th of August 2022
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.
