Solar PV Analysis of Baghdad, Iraq
The location in Baghdad, Iraq (latitude: 33.3364, longitude: 44.4004) is well-suited for solar power generation due to its varying seasonal average energy production rates per kW of installed solar capacity: 8.32 kWh in summer, 5.22 kWh in autumn, 3.69 kWh in winter, and 6.98 kWh in spring. These figures indicate that the highest solar energy output occurs during the summer months.
For optimal performance at this location, fixed-panel installations should be tilted at an angle of 29 degrees facing south to maximize sunlight exposure throughout the year.
However, certain environmental factors may impact solar power generation efficiency in Baghdad. Strong winds or dust storms can obstruct direct sunlight or create turbulence that reduces photovoltaic cell efficiency. To mitigate these effects, it is essential to ensure proper maintenance and cleaning of panels regularly.
Additionally, high temperatures during summer months can lead to thermal losses as heat dissipates from photovoltaic cells, reducing their efficiency and output power capacity. Implementing cooling systems or selecting panels with higher temperature coefficients can help maintain optimal performance under such conditions.
In conclusion, Baghdad's geographical location offers significant potential for solar power generation throughout the year; however, it is crucial to consider local environmental factors and implement appropriate measures when installing solar systems to ensure maximum energy production and system longevity.
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 36 locations across Iraq. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Iraq by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Baghdad
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 33.3364, Longitude: 44.4004 (Baghdad, Iraq), 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 Baghdad, Iraq
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Baghdad, Iraq (Lat/Long 33.3364, 44.4004) 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 Baghdad, Iraq
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 Baghdad, Iraq. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17° South in Summer | 38° South in Autumn | 48° South in Winter | 26° 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 Baghdad, Iraq
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 Baghdad, Iraq.
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 Baghdad, Iraq
The topography around Baghdad, Iraq is mostly flat with some rolling hills and small mountains to the east and south. The areas most suitable for large scale solar PV development would be on the flat plains of the Tigris River Valley or in open spaces near the city center. Areas to the east and south of Baghdad could also benefit from solar PV installations due to their higher elevation.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 22nd of August 2022
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.
