Solar PV Analysis of Rafsanjan, Iran
Located at Latitude 30.3976 and Longitude 55.9867, Rafsanjan in Iran is a prime location for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations due to its substantial average daily solar irradiance. During the summer season, the city records an impressive average of 8.41 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity, while spring sees a slightly lower but still commendable output of 7.25 kWh/day/kW.
In comparison to these peak seasons, autumn and winter present lower energy production rates with averages of 6.01 kWh/day/kW and 4.62 kWh/day/kW respectively; however, these are still significant numbers that contribute to an overall robust annual yield.
The ideal orientation for fixed panel installations in Rafsanjan is a tilt angle towards the South at approximately 27 degrees which optimizes exposure to sunlight throughout the year without requiring tracking systems.
While Rafsanjan's geographical position within the Northern Sub Tropic zone makes it highly suitable for solar power generation throughout most of the year, there are certain environmental factors that may occasionally impede maximum energy production from PV systems installed here.
One such factor includes dust or sandstorms common in this region which can obscure sunlight and thus reduce panel efficiency temporarily during their occurrence. To mitigate this risk and maintain optimal power generation from your PV system even under adverse weather conditions, regular cleaning and maintenance routines should be established for your panels after such events.
Overall though, given its high levels of sunshine throughout most parts of the year combined with appropriate preventive measures against potential environmental challenges such as dust or sandstorms, Rafsanjan offers excellent prospects for reliable year-round solar power generation.
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 Rafsanjan
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 30.3976, Longitude: 55.9867 (Rafsanjan, 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 27° South in Rafsanjan, Iran
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Rafsanjan, Iran (Lat/Long 30.3976, 55.9867) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 27° 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 Rafsanjan, 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 Rafsanjan, Iran. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 27° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14° South in Summer | 35° South in Autumn | 46° South in Winter | 23° 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 Rafsanjan, 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 Rafsanjan, 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 Rafsanjan, Iran
The topography around Rafsanjan, Iran is mostly flat, with some low hills in the east and south. The area is generally arid and sparsely vegetated. The nearby areas that would be most suited to large scale solar PV are the flat plains and open spaces located north of the city, as well as any areas with unobstructed access to direct sunlight.
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: Wednesday 15th of November 2023
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.
