Solar PV Analysis of Baku, Azerbaijan
Baku, Azerbaijan, positioned at a latitude of 40.3771 and a longitude of 49.8875, presents an advantageous location for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems due to the varying yet substantial daily kilowatt-hour (kWh) output per kilowatt (kW) of installed solar capacity throughout each season. Summer yields the highest energy production with an average daily output of 7.03 kWh/kW, followed by Spring with 5.39 kWh/kW, Autumn with 3.24 kWh/kW and Winter producing the least at 2.25 kWh/kW.
The higher energy generation during summer is attributed to extended daylight hours and increased intensity of sunlight in this region located within the Northern Temperate Zone. However, it's important to note that weather patterns such as cloud cover or rainfall can adversely affect PV system performance by limiting sunlight exposure.
To optimize solar power generation year-round in Baku's climate conditions, fixed panel installations should ideally be tilted at an angle of 34 degrees facing southward for maximum sun exposure throughout all seasons.
While Baku's geographical location offers considerable potential for solar power generation on a yearly basis, environmental factors such as dust storms common in this area could potentially reduce efficiency by accumulating on panel surfaces and obstructing sunlight penetration.
Preventative measures can be implemented to mitigate these challenges: regular cleaning maintenance schedules should be put into place to ensure panels remain clear from dust build-up; additionally installing panels at elevated heights or using wind barriers might help reduce dust accumulation on surfaces thereby maintaining peak operational efficiency.
Note: The Northern Temperate Zone extends from 35° latitude North up to 66.5° latitude.
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Baku
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 40.3771, Longitude: 49.8875 (Baku, Azerbaijan), 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 34° South in Baku, Azerbaijan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Baku, Azerbaijan (Lat/Long 40.3771, 49.8875) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 34° South 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 Baku, Azerbaijan
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 Baku, Azerbaijan. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 34° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24° South in Summer | 45° South in Autumn | 55° South in Winter | 32° South 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 Baku, Azerbaijan
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 Baku, Azerbaijan.
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 Baku, Azerbaijan
The topography around Baku, Azerbaijan is generally flat, with some hills and mountains in the surrounding area. Areas to the east of Baku near the Caspian Sea would be most suited for large-scale solar PV due to their high levels of sunshine and low levels of cloud cover. Additionally, areas further inland that are relatively close to Baku could also be suitable for large-scale solar PV due to their clear skies and sunny days.
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 10th of August 2023
Last Updated: Wednesday 26th of June 2024
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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.
