Solar PV Analysis of Lusaka, Zambia
Lusaka, Zambia, located at latitude -15.4183 and longitude 28.287, is well-suited for solar power generation due to its position within the tropics. The city experiences consistent sunlight throughout the year, with seasonal variations primarily characterized by wet and dry periods rather than significant changes in temperature or daylight hours. On average, a solar installation in Lusaka can generate 6.16 kWh per day per kW of installed capacity during summer, 6.26 kWh during autumn, 5.71 kWh during winter, and 7.05 kWh during spring—the latter being the most favorable season for solar power production.
For optimal energy generation from a fixed panel installation in Lusaka, it is recommended to tilt the panels at an angle of 15 degrees facing north.
Despite its suitability for solar power generation overall, Lusaka may occasionally experience factors that could impede efficiency such as heavy rains or dust storms. To help mitigate these potential challenges when installing solar panels in this location:
1) Ensure proper drainage systems are in place to prevent flooding and water accumulation around the panels.
2) Regularly clean and maintain the panels to remove dust buildup that may reduce their efficiency.
3) Consider installing protective barriers or windbreaks around your system if necessary to minimize exposure to strong winds carrying dust particles.
By taking these preventative measures into account when installing a solar system in Lusaka, you can help ensure greater energy production despite any environmental challenges specific to this location.
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 Zambia. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Zambia by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Lusaka
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -15.4183, Longitude: 28.287 (Lusaka, Zambia), 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 15° North in Lusaka, Zambia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Lusaka, Zambia (Lat/Long -15.4183, 28.287) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 15° 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 Lusaka, Zambia
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 Lusaka, Zambia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 15° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1° South in Summer | 22° North in Autumn | 31° North in Winter | 9° 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 Lusaka, Zambia
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 Lusaka, Zambia.
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 Lusaka, Zambia
The topography around Lusaka is mostly flat with some rolling hills. Areas to the south and east of the city would be most suitable for large-scale solar PV installation due to the open space, clear skies, and lack of obstructions such as tall buildings or trees that could block sunlight. These areas are also relatively close to the city’s population centers, allowing for easy access to energy infrastructure.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 25th of April 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.
