Solar PV Energy Potential in Maysan, Iraq

Maysan, Iraq, located at 31.9° N, 47.0667° E in the Northern Sub Tropics, offers promising conditions for solar photovoltaic (PV) energy generation, though with significant seasonal variations. The region experiences substantial differences in electricity production throughout the year, which is typical for locations in subtropical zones. Solar energy production in Maysan reaches its peak during summer months, generating an impressive 8.34 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 6.99 kWh/day, while autumn yields a moderate 5.39 kWh/day. Winter shows the lowest output at 3.83 kWh/day per kW installed, though still providing meaningful energy generation.

Seasonal Variations and Optimal Installation

The significant difference between summer and winter production (with summer generating more than double the winter output) indicates that system sizing should carefully consider these seasonal fluctuations. For year-round applications, installations may need to be oversized relative to winter needs to ensure adequate power throughout the year. For fixed panel installations in Maysan, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 27 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the total annual energy harvest by balancing seasonal variations in sun position and intensity.

Environmental Challenges

Several environmental factors in Maysan can impact solar PV performance:

• Dust and sand storms: Maysan's location in Iraq makes it susceptible to dust accumulation and occasional sand storms, which can significantly reduce panel efficiency by blocking sunlight.
• High temperatures: Summer temperatures in this region can exceed 45°C (113°F), which can decrease solar panel efficiency as photovoltaic cells typically become less efficient above 25°C (77°F).
• Potential water scarcity for cleaning panels in this arid region.

Mitigation Strategies

To maximize solar production despite these challenges, several preventative measures can be implemented: Regular cleaning systems should be incorporated into any installation plan, potentially including automated cleaning solutions if water is available. Panels should be mounted with sufficient elevation from the ground to minimize dust accumulation and allow for natural cleaning from rainfall when it occurs. Heat-resistant PV modules specifically designed for hot climates should be selected, and installations should include adequate ventilation behind panels to reduce operating temperatures. Mounting systems should also be sturdy enough to withstand occasional strong winds associated with dust storms. Despite these challenges, Maysan's substantial solar resources, particularly from spring through autumn, make it a viable location for solar PV deployment with proper system design and maintenance protocols.

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 Maysan

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 31.9, Longitude: 47.0667 (Maysan, 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 Maysan, Iraq

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Maysan, Iraq (Lat/Long 31.9, 47.0667) 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 Maysan, 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 Maysan, 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
16° South in Summer	36° South in Autumn	47° 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 Maysan, 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 Maysan, 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 Maysan, Iraq

Maysan, also known as Missan, is a province located in southeastern Iraq, with its capital being the city of Amarah. The topography of the region around Maysan (31.9°N, 47.0667°E) is predominantly characterized by flat, alluvial plains that form part of the larger Mesopotamian Plain. This extensive lowland area has been shaped over millennia by the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and their tributaries.

Geographical Features

The landscape of Maysan province is dominated by the Tigris River, which flows through the region from northwest to southeast. The river has created a fertile floodplain that has historically supported agriculture in this otherwise arid region. The Hawizeh Marshes, part of the larger Mesopotamian Marshes, extend into the eastern portions of Maysan province along the border with Iran. These marshlands, though significantly reduced from their historical extent due to drainage projects and drought, remain an important ecological feature of the region. To the east of Maysan lies the border with Iran, where the terrain gradually rises toward the Zagros Mountains. However, within Maysan itself, elevation changes are minimal, with most of the province lying between 5 and 20 meters above sea level. The flat terrain means that drainage can be poor in some areas, leading to seasonal waterlogging.

Solar PV Potential Areas

The relatively flat topography of Maysan province presents several advantages for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The most suitable areas for such developments would be: The elevated plains to the west of the Tigris River offer the best potential for large-scale solar PV development. These areas benefit from being above the flood zone, having minimal vegetation cover, and featuring expansive flat terrain that would minimize earthwork requirements during construction. The soil in these western regions is typically more stable and less prone to waterlogging than areas closer to the marshes. The semi-arid lands in the southern portions of the province also present excellent opportunities for solar development. These areas experience minimal precipitation and have sparse vegetation, reducing concerns about land clearance or agricultural displacement. The stable, firm ground conditions in these southern regions would provide good foundation conditions for solar array mounting structures. Areas north of Amarah city, where the terrain rises slightly, offer additional potential sites. These locations benefit from good drainage characteristics and reduced risk of flooding compared to the lower-lying areas near the marshes and river.

Areas to Avoid

When considering locations for solar PV installations in Maysan, certain areas should be avoided: The Hawizeh Marshes and other wetland areas in the eastern part of the province are unsuitable due to their ecological importance, unstable ground conditions, and potential for flooding. These areas also experience higher humidity levels, which can affect solar panel efficiency. The immediate floodplains of the Tigris River should be avoided due to periodic flooding risks, which could damage infrastructure and reduce the reliability of power generation. These areas also tend to have higher agricultural value, creating potential land-use conflicts. Areas with significant sand dune formations, particularly in the western extremes of the province, may present challenges for solar installations due to shifting ground and potential sand accumulation on panels, which would require more frequent maintenance.

Accessibility Considerations

The flat terrain of Maysan generally facilitates good accessibility for construction and maintenance of solar facilities. The province is crossed by several major highways that connect to Baghdad and Basra, which would facilitate equipment transport. However, the road network becomes less developed in the more remote western and southern regions, which might require additional infrastructure investment if these areas were selected for development. The consistent, level topography throughout much of Maysan province makes it generally well-suited for large-scale solar PV development, with the western and southern regions offering particularly favorable conditions when considering factors such as flood risk, land stability, and minimal competing land uses.

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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.