Solar PV Analysis of Mufulira, Zambia
Mufulira, Copperbelt, Zambia is a good location for year-round solar energy production due to its tropical climate where sunlight is consistent throughout most of the year. The amount of electricity that can be generated from each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar power differs slightly by season. In summer, you can expect about 5.93 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for each kW of installed solar power. This increases slightly in autumn and winter to around 6.13 kWh/day, and further increases in spring to about 7.01 kWh/day.
The best times of the year to generate solar energy at this location are during the spring, autumn and winter months when daily output per kW is highest.
For fixed panel installations at this location, tilting panels at an angle of 13 degrees North will maximize total yearly production from your solar photovoltaic (PV) system.
There may be some local factors that could potentially impede solar production at this location though these would need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis as they could vary greatly depending on specific site conditions or other variables not mentioned here.
One possible factor might include seasonal variations in rainfall which could potentially reduce sunlight exposure during wetter periods if not properly managed - regular cleaning/maintenance schedules would help ensure panels remain clear and fully operational despite any weather conditions experienced locally.
Another potential issue might relate to dust or other airborne particles which could settle on panels reducing their efficiency - again regular cleaning/maintenance would help mitigate against such issues ensuring maximum energy production throughout the year regardless of local environmental conditions encountered.
Lastly it's worth mentioning that any large trees or buildings nearby which cast shadows over your installation during peak sun hours will also reduce your system's overall performance so careful consideration should be given when choosing exactly where to locate your system within Mufulira itself based on these types of factors too.
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 Mufulira
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -12.5546, Longitude: 28.2301 (Mufulira, 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 13° North in Mufulira, Zambia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Mufulira, Zambia (Lat/Long -12.5546, 28.2301) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 13° 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 Mufulira, 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 Mufulira, Zambia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 13° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4° South in Summer | 19° North in Autumn | 28° North in Winter | 7° 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 Mufulira, 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 Mufulira, 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 Mufulira, Zambia
Mufulira is located in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. The topography of this region is generally flat to gently undulating, with occasional hills and ridges. The elevation ranges from about 1200 to 1500 meters above sea level.
The climate in Mufulira is tropical savanna with a wet season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. This area receives abundant sunlight throughout the year, making it suitable for solar PV installations.
For large-scale solar PV projects, areas that are relatively flat and open would be most suited since they can accommodate larger arrays of solar panels and have less shading issues. In addition, locations close to existing power infrastructure (like substations) would be beneficial for easier connection to the grid.
It's also important that these areas should not be prime agricultural land or protected natural areas as setting up large scale solar farms could disrupt local ecosystems or food production.
A detailed site-specific assessment including factors like land ownership, environmental impact, access roads etc., would need to be conducted before deciding on a specific location for setting up a large-scale solar PV project.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 17th of June 2024
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.
