Fars, Iran, located at coordinates 29°N, 53°E in the Northern Sub Tropics, presents a reasonably good location for year-round solar PV energy generation, though with notable seasonal variations in output.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy potential at this Fars location shows clear seasonal patterns. Summer delivers the highest output at 8.33 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity, making it the prime season for solar generation. Spring follows as the second-best performing season with 7.45 kWh per day per kW, while autumn provides moderate generation at 6.11 kWh per day per kW. Winter represents the challenging period for solar generation, dropping to 4.60 kWh per day per kW of installed capacity. This seasonal variation of nearly 45% between peak summer and winter production is typical for locations in the Northern Sub Tropics.

Optimal Installation Configuration

For maximum year-round energy production at this Fars location, solar panels should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 25 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize total annual output by accounting for the sun's varying elevation throughout the year and weighting these angles based on actual solar irradiance data.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Several environmental factors in Fars could significantly impact solar panel performance and require preventative measures:

• Desert dust and sandstorms: The region's arid climate generates frequent dust accumulation on panels, reducing efficiency by blocking sunlight
• Extreme heat: High summer temperatures can reduce panel efficiency and accelerate component degradation
• Limited water availability: Cleaning panels regularly becomes challenging in water-scarce desert environments
• Sand abrasion: Wind-blown sand particles can gradually damage panel surfaces and reduce light transmission

Preventative Installation Measures

To maximize energy production despite these challenges, several installation strategies prove effective. Installing panels with anti-reflective and hydrophobic coatings helps reduce dust adhesion and makes cleaning more efficient when water is available. Adequate ventilation spacing beneath panels allows better air circulation, helping to manage the extreme heat that reduces panel efficiency. Using panels rated for high-temperature operation and installing them with proper mounting systems that promote airflow becomes crucial in this climate. Regular maintenance schedules should include dry cleaning methods such as soft brushes or compressed air systems, reducing dependence on scarce water resources. Some installations benefit from automated cleaning systems, though these require careful design to handle the harsh desert conditions. The location shows good potential for solar energy generation, particularly during the extended warm season from spring through summer, but requires thoughtful installation design and maintenance planning to address the challenging desert environment.

Note: The Northern Sub Tropics extend from 23.5° latitude North up to 35° 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 Fars

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 29, Longitude: 53 (Fars, 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 25° South in Fars, Iran

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Fars, Iran (Lat/Long 29, 53) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 25° 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 Fars, 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 Fars, Iran. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 25° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
13° South in Summer	34° South in Autumn	44° South in Winter	22° 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 Fars, 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 Fars, Iran.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Fars, Iran

Topography of the Fars Region

The Fars province of Iran, centered around the coordinates 29°N, 53°E, presents a diverse and dramatic landscape that has been shaped by millions of years of geological activity. This region sits within the Zagros Mountain range, one of Iran's most prominent geographical features, creating a terrain characterized by significant elevation changes and varied topographical elements. The area is dominated by a series of parallel mountain ridges and valleys that run in a northwest-southeast direction, typical of the Zagros fold belt. These mountains rise to considerable heights, with many peaks exceeding 3,000 meters above sea level. Between these imposing ridges lie expansive valleys and intermontane basins that provide flatter terrain amid the otherwise rugged landscape. The famous Marvdasht Plain, where the ancient city of Persepolis stands, exemplifies the type of broad, relatively flat valleys that punctuate this mountainous region. These plains are typically situated at elevations between 1,500 and 1,800 meters above sea level, offering substantial flat areas surrounded by the higher mountain ranges. The region's geology consists primarily of sedimentary rocks, including limestone, sandstone, and shale formations that have been folded and uplifted over geological time. This has created the characteristic ridged appearance of the landscape, with steep-sided mountains separated by gentler valley floors.

Climate and Environmental Conditions

Fars province experiences a semi-arid to arid climate, with the mountainous terrain creating significant variations in local weather patterns. The higher elevations receive more precipitation, particularly during winter months, while the valley floors and plains tend to be much drier throughout the year. The region benefits from abundant clear skies for much of the year, particularly during the extended dry season that typically runs from late spring through early autumn. This climate pattern, combined with the high elevation and low humidity levels, creates excellent atmospheric conditions for solar energy generation. Temperature variations can be substantial due to the elevation differences, with the mountain peaks experiencing much cooler conditions than the valley floors. The plains and lower elevations maintain more moderate temperatures that are conducive to equipment operation and maintenance activities.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most promising locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations in the Fars region are the extensive flat plains and valley floors that lie between the mountain ranges. The Marvdasht Plain stands out as particularly well-suited, offering thousands of square kilometers of relatively level terrain with minimal slope variations. These valley floors provide several key advantages for solar development. The flat topography minimizes the need for extensive grading and earthwork, reducing construction costs and environmental impact. The areas are typically situated at elevations that avoid the harsh weather conditions of the higher mountains while still benefiting from the clear atmospheric conditions at altitude. The Shiraz Plain, surrounding the provincial capital, represents another excellent candidate area. This broad valley offers extensive flat terrain with good accessibility via existing road networks and proximity to electrical infrastructure. The combination of level ground and existing development makes it particularly attractive for large-scale installations. Areas to the south and southeast of the main mountain ranges also show promise, where the terrain gradually transitions from the rugged Zagros Mountains toward the flatter coastal plains approaching the Persian Gulf. These transitional zones often feature broad, gently sloping areas that could accommodate substantial solar arrays while maintaining reasonable construction costs. The key consideration for site selection involves balancing the availability of flat terrain with accessibility and proximity to electrical transmission infrastructure. The major valleys that host existing cities and transportation corridors typically offer the best combination of suitable topography and practical development advantages. Areas with gentle south-facing slopes on the valley floors can be particularly advantageous, as they naturally orient solar panels toward optimal sun exposure angles. However, the region's abundant solar resource means that even flat installations perform exceptionally well throughout most of the year.

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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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.