Solar PV Analysis of Babol, Iran
The location of Babol, Māzandarān, Iran, which is situated in the Northern Temperate Zone with latitude/longitude coordinates of 36.544, 52.6668, has varying potential for solar power generation throughout the year.
During summer and spring seasons, this location can generate quite a lot of energy from solar panels - around 6.59 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day in summer and about 5.10 kWh/day in spring for each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar capacity.
However, during autumn and winter seasons, the output reduces significantly due to shorter daylight hours and less intense sunlight - it drops to approximately 3.56 kWh/day in autumn and even further to around 2.89 kWh/day in winter per kW installed.
So if you're considering when best to rely on solar power at this location, your best bet would be during the longer daylight hours of summer or spring.
For optimal year-round production from your solar photovoltaic (PV) system at this location, it's recommended that you tilt your panels at an angle facing southwards by about 32 degrees - this helps maximize exposure to sunlight across different times of the year.
As far as local factors that could potentially hinder solar production here are concerned: Babol is known for its heavy rainfall especially during winter months which could reduce sunlight availability thus affecting productivity; dust storms common in certain parts of Iran might also affect panel efficiency by blocking sun rays or damaging panel surface; occasional foggy conditions might pose similar challenges too.
To overcome these issues: Regular cleaning/maintenance should be done especially after dust storms or heavy rainfalls ensuring panels remain clear & efficient; Consider installing protective covers/shields against possible damage from dust storms; Use advanced PV modules designed for low light performance if foggy conditions are frequent; And finally consider using tracking systems that adjust panel angles towards sun throughout day maximizing exposure despite weather fluctuations – although this could be costlier.
Note: The Northern Temperate Zone extends from 35° latitude North up to 66.5° latitude.
So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 29 locations across Iran. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Iran by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Babol
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 36.544, Longitude: 52.6668 (Babol, Iran), 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 32° South in Babol, Iran
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Babol, Iran (Lat/Long 36.544, 52.6668) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 32° 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 Babol, Iran
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 Babol, Iran. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 32° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20° South in Summer | 41° South in Autumn | 52° South in Winter | 29° 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 Babol, Iran
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 Babol, Iran.
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 Babol, Iran
Babol is located in the northern part of Iran, near the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. The topography around Babol is largely flat to gently sloping, with some hilly and mountainous areas further inland. The region has a mix of urban areas, agricultural land, and natural vegetation.
The climate in Babol is humid subtropical with high rainfall throughout the year which might not be ideal for solar PV installations. However, there are still opportunities for solar energy production considering Iran's overall high level of sunlight exposure.
For large-scale solar PV installations, flat or gently sloping lands would be most suitable as they require less structural support and earthwork for installation. Areas that have minimal shading from surrounding hills or vegetation would also be beneficial. It may also be advantageous to locate these installations close to existing power infrastructure for easier connection to the grid.
Therefore potential suitable locations could include flatter agricultural lands or unused open spaces nearby urban areas (for proximity to power infrastructure). Of course, feasibility studies including environmental impact assessments would need to be conducted before any decisions can be made.
It's important to note that while geographical location and topography are significant factors in determining suitability for solar PV installations; political, social-economic conditions along with government policies towards renewable energy should also play an equally crucial role in decision-making processes.
Iran solar PV Stats as a country
Iran ranks 52nd in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 456 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 0.40% of Iran's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 40th in the world). Each year Iran is generating 5 Watts from solar PV per capita (Iran ranks 80th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Iran?
Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Iran. The Iranian government has implemented a number of policies and programs to encourage the development of renewable energy sources, including solar energy. These include tax exemptions, subsidies, and other financial incentives such as low-interest loans. Additionally, the government has set up a Renewable Energy Organization (SUNA) which provides technical assistance and support for businesses interested in installing solar systems.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Iran? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 24th of April 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.
