Duhok, Iraq, situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a varied landscape for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located at latitude 36.8591 and longitude 42.987, this city experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar energy potential.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output in Duhok varies considerably across seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 8.58 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, yielding 6.73 kWh/day/kW. Autumn sees a notable decrease to 4.99 kWh/day/kW, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.26 kWh/day/kW.

These figures indicate that Duhok's location is quite favorable for solar energy production, particularly from late spring through early autumn. The long, sunny days of summer provide an excellent opportunity for maximizing solar energy generation.

Optimal Panel Placement

For those considering a fixed solar panel installation in Duhok, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 31 degrees, facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the city's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental Considerations

While Duhok's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider. The region can experience dust storms, particularly during the summer months. This airborne dust can accumulate on solar panels, reducing their efficiency.

To mitigate this issue, regular cleaning and maintenance of the solar panels is crucial. Installing panels at the recommended 31-degree angle can also help, as it allows for some natural cleaning during rainfall. Additionally, consider using anti-soiling coatings on the panels to minimize dust adhesion.

Another factor to be aware of is the potential for extreme heat during summer months. While solar panels generally perform well in sunny conditions, very high temperatures can slightly reduce their efficiency. Ensuring proper ventilation behind the panels during installation can help mitigate this effect.

Overall, with proper installation and maintenance, Duhok's location offers a promising opportunity for solar energy generation, particularly during the longer, sunnier days of late spring, summer, and early autumn.

Note: The Northern Temperate Zone extends from 35° latitude North up to 66.5° latitude.

So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 23 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 Duhok

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 36.8591, Longitude: 42.987 (Duhok, 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:

Average 8.58kWh/day in Summer.

Average 4.99kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 3.26kWh/day in Winter.

Average 6.73kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 31° South in Duhok, Iraq

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Duhok, Iraq (Lat/Long 36.8591, 42.987) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 31° 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.

At Latitude: 36.8591, Longitude: 42.987, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 31° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Duhok, 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 Duhok, Iraq. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 31° South tilt angle throughout the year.

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 Duhok, 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 Duhok, Iraq.

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 Duhok, Iraq

The topography around Duhok, Iraq is characterized by a mix of diverse landscapes. The city itself is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, creating a picturesque setting. To the north and northeast of Duhok, the terrain becomes increasingly mountainous, with the Zagros Mountains dominating the landscape. These mountains feature steep slopes, rocky outcrops, and deep valleys, creating a rugged and dramatic scenery.

To the south and southwest of Duhok, the land gradually transitions into more gentle hills and eventually flattens out into plains. This area is part of the larger Mesopotamian Plain, which extends further south towards Baghdad. The change in elevation from the mountainous north to the flatter south creates a varied topography within a relatively small area.

Several rivers and streams flow through the region, including the Tigris River to the east of Duhok. These waterways have carved valleys and gorges into the landscape over time, adding to the topographical complexity of the area.

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the flatter regions to the south and southwest of Duhok would likely be the best candidates. These areas offer several advantages for solar energy production:

1. Flat terrain: The relatively level ground makes it easier and more cost-effective to install large arrays of solar panels.
2. Fewer obstacles: The open plains have fewer natural obstructions like mountains or dense forests that could cast shadows on the panels.
3. Higher sun exposure: The southern regions generally receive more direct sunlight throughout the year compared to the mountainous areas in the north.
4. Easier access: The flatter terrain is typically more accessible for construction and maintenance of solar facilities.

However, it's important to note that specific site selection for solar PV installations would require detailed environmental and geological studies, as well as consideration of factors such as proximity to power grids, local climate conditions, and land availability. While the southern plains offer general advantages, there may be suitable locations in the hilly regions as well, particularly on south-facing slopes that receive ample sunlight.

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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.

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