Solar PV Analysis of Harare, Zimbabwe
Harare, Zimbabwe is a great location for generating solar power all year round. This is because it's located in the Tropics where sunlight is pretty consistent throughout the year. In terms of energy output from solar panels, you can expect around 6.55 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day in Summer, 6.40kWh/day in Autumn, 5.51kWh/day in Winter and 6.99kWh/day in Spring for every kilowatt (kW) of installed solar.
The best times to generate solar at this location would be during Spring and Summer when the energy output is highest due to increased sunlight hours and intensity.
For a fixed panel installation here, tilting your panels at an angle of 17 degrees North will maximize total production from your solar panels over the course of a year.
However, there are some factors that could hinder solar production at this location including seasonal weather changes such as heavy rains during wet seasons which may affect panel efficiency by reducing exposure to sunlight or causing dirt accumulation on panels' surface which can block sunlight absorption.
To combat these potential issues:
1. Regular cleaning: Keeping your solar panels clean especially after heavy rainfalls ensures they're working efficiently.
2. Protective measures: Installing protective features such as sturdy mounts and weather-resistant materials can help protect against damage from severe weather conditions.
3. Backup system: Having a backup power system like batteries or generators can ensure continuous power supply during periods with less sun exposure.
4.Possible shading issues should also be considered when installing the PV system so that trees or nearby buildings do not block direct sunlight onto the PV modules throughout different times of day/year.
In conclusion, Harare offers good potential for year-round generation of electricity through photovoltaic systems if proper precautions are taken into consideration while installing them considering local environmental 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 6 locations across Zimbabwe. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Zimbabwe by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Harare
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -17.815, Longitude: 31.0478 (Harare, Zimbabwe), 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 17° North in Harare, Zimbabwe
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Harare, Zimbabwe (Lat/Long -17.815, 31.0478) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 17° 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 Harare, Zimbabwe
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 Harare, Zimbabwe. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 17° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2° North in Summer | 24° North in Autumn | 33° North in Winter | 11° 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 Harare, Zimbabwe
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 Harare, Zimbabwe.
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 Harare, Zimbabwe
Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, is situated in a plateau region. It has an altitude of approximately 1,483 meters (4,865 feet) above sea level. The city is located in the northeastern part of the country and features a subtropical highland climate due to its high elevation.
The topography around Harare includes plateaus interspersed with hills and mountains. To the east are hilly landscapes including Bvumba Mountains and Nyanga National Park which have higher altitudes than Harare itself. To the west are more flat regions that lead into savannah grasslands.
For large-scale solar PV installations, areas with relatively flat terrain are typically preferred as they require less site preparation work such as grading or excavation. Therefore, considering both sunlight availability and land suitability for installation, areas to the west of Harare towards Norton could be suitable for large-scale solar PV facilities given their flatter terrain compared to mountainous regions on other sides.
However, it's important to note that while topography plays a significant role in determining where to install solar panels; factors like local weather patterns (cloud cover), accessibility (proximity to roads), proximity to power transmission lines or substations also need consideration before deciding on specific locations for large-scale solar farms.
Additionally, environmental impact assessments would need to be carried out prior any installations taking place since these projects can have significant impacts on local ecosystems especially if they're located near wildlife reserves or national parks.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 15th of May 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.
