Solar PV Analysis of Basra, Iraq
Basra, Iraq is a decent location for generating solar energy year-round due to its position in the Northern Sub Tropics. The amount of electricity that can be produced from each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar varies by season: it's highest in the summer at 8.41 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day, drops to 5.68 kWh/day in autumn and further decreases to 4.20 kWh/day in winter, then increases again to 7.26 kWh/day in spring.
This means that the most productive time for solar energy generation is during summer and spring when sunlight exposure is higher. However, even during autumn and winter months, some electricity can still be generated albeit at lower levels.
To get the most out of a solar panel installation throughout the year at this location, panels should ideally be tilted towards south at an angle of 27 degrees. This orientation maximizes exposure to sunlight over all four seasons resulting in more total power output annually.
However, there may also be local factors that could impede solar production such as dust storms which are common in this region; these storms could cover panels with dust or sand reducing their effectiveness significantly.
To mitigate against this issue, regular cleaning and maintenance routines should be established so panels remain clear and able to absorb sunlight efficiently. Additionally installing automated cleaning systems or protective coatings on panels might help reduce impact from dust accumulation.
Furthermore extreme heat conditions during summer months could potentially reduce efficiency of solar panels; hence using high-temperature tolerant PV modules would help ensure optimal performance even under harsh weather conditions.
In short while Basra has potential for good year-round solar production certain measures need taken into consideration like proper panel orientation & regular cleaning especially due to region's propensity for dust storms and hot summers.
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 Basra
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 30.5101, Longitude: 47.7847 (Basra, 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 27° South in Basra, Iraq
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Basra, Iraq (Lat/Long 30.5101, 47.7847) 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 Basra, 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 Basra, Iraq. 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 | 45° 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 Basra, 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 Basra, 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 Basra, Iraq
Basra, Iraq is located in the southeastern part of the country near the Persian Gulf. The topography around Basra is predominantly flat and low-lying, with an elevation of approximately 5 meters above sea level. This region forms a part of the larger Mesopotamian Marshlands, which are characterized by extensive wetlands and marshes.
The climate in Basra is desert-like, with extremely hot summers and mild winters. It receives abundant sunlight throughout the year, making it potentially suitable for large-scale solar PV installations.
For large-scale solar PV projects, areas with flat terrain are ideal because they minimize installation costs and maximize efficiency by reducing shading effects. Given this criterion, most parts of Basra could be suitable for such projects due to its predominantly flat landscape.
However, there are other factors to consider as well:
1) Proximity to existing power grids: Areas closer to existing infrastructure would be more cost-effective since it reduces the expense related to transmission lines construction.
2) Land use: Open or unused lands would be preferable over agricultural or residential lands due to lower acquisition costs and lesser impact on local communities.
3) Environmental impact: Areas that do not disturb sensitive ecosystems like marshlands should be prioritized.
In conclusion, while most parts of Basra could technically support large-scale solar PV given its sunny climate and flat terrain; detailed site-specific assessments considering grid connectivity, land use constraints and environmental impacts will need to be conducted before identifying exact locations.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Sunday 28th of April 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
Tell Us About Your Work
We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.
Feeling generous?
Share this with your friends!
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.
