πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡² Zambia's Solar Guide – Part 1 πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡² 

 

 

Investing in solar energy in Zambia is a smart decision, but to truly reap the benefits, you must optimize your setup.

 

Solar power is a long-term investment, and maximizing efficiency ensures that you get the most value from your system.

 

Here are three essential tips to help you make the most of your solar panels.

 

 

βœ… Calculate the Right Number of Panels Based on 5–7 Sun Hours

 

Zambia enjoys abundant sunlight, averaging 5 to 7 peak sun hours per day. This means that your panels will produce the most energy during this window. Sun hours are different for daylight, we will cover this in another post.

 

To size your system correctly:

  1. Calculate your daily energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
  2. Divide this by the average sun hours (e.g., 6 hours) to estimate the necessary solar capacity.
  3. Factor in inefficiencies and future energy needs to avoid undersizing.

 

For example, if your home uses 30 kWh per day, and you receive 6 sun hours, you’ll need at least 5 kW of solar panels (30 kWh ÷ 6 hours = 5 kW).

 

βœ… North-Facing Panels for Maximum Sun Exposure

 

In the Southern Hemisphere, north-facing panels capture the most sunlight throughout the day. This orientation ensures the maximum exposure to the sun’s path, higher energy output compared to east- or west-facing panels, and reduced need for additional panels, saving costs.

 

If your roof isn’t suited for north-facing panels, consider ground-mounted options to optimize positioning.

 

βœ… Set Panels at ~15° Tilt for Maximum Efficiency

 

The angle at which your solar panels are installed significantly affects energy production. In general, the most optimal tilt angle for fixed-mount (vs tracking mounts) solar panels in any location is approximately equal to the latitute. 

 

In Zambia, for fixed-mount panels, a15-degree tilt is ideal for capturing optimal sunlight year-round. 

 

It is also critical to keep your panels clean and clear of dust and debris accumulation.

 

Single-axis and dual-axis tracking mounts are asjustable either automatically or manually and help fine-tune panel angles seasonally for even better performance. We will cover these systems in another post.


By following these three essential steps—proper sizing, north-facing orientation, and optimal tilting—you can maximize your solar returns and ensure reliable energy for years to come. 

 

Now, Go and Make the Most of Your Solar Investment!