Solar panels in Dodoma: size, cost and payback

With about 6.34 peak sun hours a day, above the average of 5.6 across Tanzania's main towns, Dodoma is a practical place for solar. The table shows the panels, battery, estimated cost and payback for three typical users, from a small home to a small shop, priced at TSh 292 per kWh electricity.

The numbers

ExamplePanelsBatteryEstimated costPayback
Small home (lights, TV, fridge): 5 kWh/day 1.0 kWp 1.0 kWh TZS 3,371,299 6.3 years
Family home with water pump: 10 kWh/day 2.0 kWp 2.1 kWh TZS 6,321,876 5.9 years
Small shop or office: 20 kWh/day 3.9 kWp 4.2 kWh TZS 12,022,692 5.6 years

Worked with 6.34 peak sun hours a day and an electricity price of TZS 292/kWh, standard-quality equipment and 4 hours of battery backup. Estimates only; get quotes from local installers.

Worth knowing

Dodoma sits at about 1,118 m above sea level. Sunshine peaks in October at about 7.38 hours a day and is lowest in May at about 5.46, a seasonal drop of 26%. That is a fairly steady year, so a system sized on the yearly average holds up well month to month.

Size your own system for Dodoma →

Questions

How many peak sun hours does Dodoma get?

About 6.34 hours a day on average over the year, above the average of 5.6 across Tanzania's main towns. Source: Global Solar Atlas long-term averages.

Which month is weakest for solar in Dodoma?

May, at about 5.46 peak sun hours a day. The strongest is October, at about 7.38. Off-grid systems should be sized with the weaker months in mind.

What electricity price do these estimates use?

TSh 292 per kWh, TANESCO's general-use tariff, before VAT. Payback depends heavily on this figure, so enter your own rate from your bill in the calculator.

How do I size a system for my own home or business?

Use the free calculator. Enter your appliances or your electricity bill, and it applies Dodoma's sun hours to suggest panels, battery and inverter sizes.

Are these costs quotes?

No. They are estimates for standard-quality equipment with 4 hours of battery backup. Ask local installers for quotes before you buy.