TITLE:
Solar Energy Potential in Burundi: Analysis of Irradiance and Temperature Variations
AUTHORS:
Gatoto Placide, Richard Cartland, Leonce Havyarimana
KEYWORDS:
Solar Irradiance, Sunshine Duration, Temperature, Angstrom-Prescott, Burundi
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Energy Efficiency,
Vol.14 No.4,
November
27,
2025
ABSTRACT: Burundi faces persistent energy access challenges, with national electrification rates below 12% and continued dependence on hydropower and biomass. Despite abundant solar resources, systematic assessments of irradiance and temperature variability are scarce, limiting evidence-based planning for photovoltaic (PV) deployment. This study evaluates Burundi’s solar potential using data from 14 meteorological stations collected between 2011 and 2017. Global horizontal irradiance (GHI) was estimated with the Angstrom-Prescott model, complemented by analyses of sunshine duration and temperature. Results show that southern and western regions, including Makamba, the Imbo Plain, and Gisozi, record the highest average irradiance levels (>5.8 kWh/m2/day), while eastern and northern areas such as Ruyigi and Kirundo remain comparatively lower (2/day). Seasonal peaks occur during the dry months (June to August), with reductions in the rainy season. Cooler highland zones such as Gisozi (16.6˚C average) favor PV efficiency, while warmer lowlands are more suitable for solar thermal applications. This integrated solar resource and temperature mapping provides the first nationwide evidence for optimizing site-specific PV deployment and guiding renewable energy policy in Burundi.