Solar PV Analysis of Isfahan, Iran
The location at Isfahan, Iran is generally good for generating solar energy throughout the year. The highest amount of electricity can be produced in summer and spring with 8.61kWh/day and 7.08kWh/day respectively per kW of installed solar power system. This means during these seasons, the sun's rays are strong enough to produce a lot of energy.
However, during autumn and winter, the output drops to 5.66kWh/day and 4.22kWh/day respectively due to less sunlight intensity or shorter daylight hours compared to summer or spring.
To get the most out of your solar panels all year round at this location, it's recommended that they are installed at an angle facing 29 degrees South which allows them to capture as much sunlight as possible.
As for environmental factors that could affect solar production in Isfahan; dust storms might occur which could cover the panels with dust reducing their efficiency - regular cleaning can help prevent this problem though. Additionally, Iran experiences occasional earthquakes which could potentially damage installations - sturdy mounting systems can help ensure panels stay secure even during seismic activity.
So overall while there may be some challenges like less productive months (autumn/winter) or potential weather-related issues (dust storms), with proper installation and maintenance practices these hurdles can be managed effectively making Isfahan a suitable place for harnessing solar energy.
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 Isfahan
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 32.6575, Longitude: 51.6775 (Isfahan, 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 29° South in Isfahan, Iran
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Isfahan, Iran (Lat/Long 32.6575, 51.6775) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 29° 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 Isfahan, 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 Isfahan, Iran. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 29° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16° South in Summer | 37° South in Autumn | 48° South in Winter | 25° 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 Isfahan, 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 Isfahan, 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 Isfahan, Iran
Isfahan, Iran is located in a plateau region with an average altitude of 1,590 meters above sea level. The city is surrounded by mountains to the north and south. The terrain is mostly flat or gently sloping towards the Zayandeh River which flows from west to east through the city.
The topography around Isfahan makes it suitable for large-scale solar PV installations in several ways. Firstly, there's ample flat land available for setting up solar panels. Secondly, the high altitude and low cloud cover make for excellent sunlight conditions year-round.
Areas most suited to large-scale solar PV would be:
1) Flat desert areas: The desert areas surrounding Isfahan are ideal as they provide plenty of space and receive abundant sunlight throughout the year.
2) Rooftops within the city: There are numerous buildings within Isfahan that have flat rooftops which could be used for smaller scale but collectively significant solar power generation.
3) Outskirts of the city: Areas on the outskirts of Isfahan where land may not be as heavily utilized could also serve as potential sites for larger scale installations.
However, any project should consider factors such as proximity to existing electrical infrastructure (for easy integration into grid), environmental impact assessments, and local regulations regarding land use.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 16th of May 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.
