Solar PV Analysis of Karbala, Iraq
Karbala, Iraq, which is located in the Northern Subtropics, has a pretty good potential for generating solar energy all year round. The amount of electricity that can be produced from each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar panels varies by season. In summer, you can expect to generate about 8.29 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for each kW of installed solar power. This drops down to around 5.31 kWh/day in autumn and further decreases to about 3.74 kWh/day in winter but then increases again in spring with an average output of approximately 7.09 kWh/day.
The most ideal times for generating solar energy at this location are during the summer and spring months when sunlight hours are longest and strongest, providing more opportunity for the panels to absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity.
To maximize total year-round production from solar photovoltaic (PV), or simply put - to get the most out of your solar panels all year long – it would be best if they were tilted at an angle of around 28 degrees facing South.
As far as environmental or weather conditions that could negatively impact solar production at this location go, there might be a few worth mentioning:
1) Dust storms: Karbala is situated within a desert climate where dust storms are common throughout certain times of the year which may cover up your panels reducing their efficiency.
2) Heat: Extreme heat may also affect panel performance as high temperatures can reduce their efficiency.
Preventative measures that could help ensure greater energy production include regular cleaning and maintenance schedule especially during dust storm seasons to keep them free from dirt build-up; using cooling systems or installing your PV system on raised structures where air flow can naturally cool them down; finally using high-quality durable PV modules designed specifically for harsh environments like deserts will help protect against extreme weather conditions while maintaining efficient performance levels over time.
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 Karbala
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 32.6211, Longitude: 44.0281 (Karbala, 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 28° South in Karbala, Iraq
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Karbala, Iraq (Lat/Long 32.6211, 44.0281) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 28° 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 Karbala, 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 Karbala, Iraq. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 28° 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 Karbala, 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 Karbala, 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 Karbala, Iraq
Karbala, Iraq is located in the central part of the country and is characterized by a flat desert landscape with little vegetation. The terrain around Karbala is mostly flat or gently sloping.
The climate in this region is arid and hot. This combination of climate conditions and flat terrain could potentially be suitable for energy production methods adapted to such environments.
Several areas near Karbala could be considered for large-scale installations:
1. Desert Areas: The vast expanses of uninhabited desert land to the west and south of Karbala offer plenty of space for large-scale projects without disrupting residential areas or agricultural land.
2. Near Infrastructure: Areas close to existing infrastructure like roads and power lines would also be suitable as they would reduce costs associated with transporting electricity to consumers.
3. Industrial Zones: Existing or planned industrial zones can also be good locations as they usually have good infrastructure and high energy demand.
However, any plan for a large-scale project needs to consider other factors such as local regulations, potential impact on local communities and wildlife habitats, availability of water (required for certain types of maintenance), among others.
Please note that a detailed feasibility study including site surveys will need to be conducted before choosing a specific location.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 20th of June 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.
