Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq, situated at latitude 36.341 and longitude 43.1155 in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a varied landscape for solar energy production throughout the year. The location experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the prime season for solar energy generation in Mosul, Nineveh, with an impressive daily output of 8.36 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, yielding 6.54 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in production at 4.98 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.17 kWh/day.

The substantial variation between summer and winter production highlights the importance of considering seasonal factors when planning solar installations in this region. The long, sunny days of summer provide an excellent opportunity for maximizing energy generation, while the shorter, less intense winter days require careful system design to ensure adequate year-round performance.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed solar panel installations in Mosul, Nineveh, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round production is 31 degrees facing South. This angle is calculated based on the location's latitude and accounts for the Earth's elliptical orbit, ensuring the best possible exposure to sunlight throughout the year.

Environmental Considerations

While Mosul's climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors that could potentially impact system performance:

• Dust and sand storms: Mosul's location in a semi-arid region makes it susceptible to dust accumulation and occasional sand storms, which can reduce panel efficiency.
• High summer temperatures: Extreme heat can slightly decrease the efficiency of solar panels, although this is typically outweighed by the increased sunlight during these periods.

To mitigate these challenges, regular panel cleaning and maintenance should be incorporated into the solar system's operational plan. Additionally, choosing high-quality, heat-resistant panels and ensuring proper ventilation in the installation design can help maintain optimal performance even during the hottest months.

In conclusion, while Mosul experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, its location still offers considerable potential for solar energy production, particularly from spring through autumn. With proper planning and maintenance, a solar PV system in this area can provide a reliable and sustainable energy source throughout the year.

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 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 Mosul

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 36.341, Longitude: 43.1155 (Mosul, 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 8.36kWh/day in Summer.

Average 4.98kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 3.17kWh/day in Winter.

Average 6.54kWh/day in Spring.

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

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Mosul, Iraq (Lat/Long 36.341, 43.1155) 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: 36.341, Longitude: 43.1155, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 31° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Mosul, 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 Mosul, 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 Mosul, 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 Mosul, 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 Mosul, Iraq

The topography around Mosul, Iraq is characterized by a mix of flat plains and gently rolling hills. The city itself is situated on the western bank of the Tigris River, which flows through a broad valley. To the east of Mosul, the terrain gradually rises into the foothills of the Zagros Mountains, creating a more rugged landscape.

The immediate surroundings of Mosul consist primarily of agricultural land and open spaces. The terrain is generally flat to slightly undulating, with occasional low hills and shallow valleys. This relatively even landscape is typical of the Nineveh Plains, which extend to the north and east of the city.

To the west and southwest of Mosul, the land becomes more arid and transitions into the Syrian Desert. This area features a mix of flat expanses and low, rolling hills, with sparse vegetation typical of semi-desert environments.

For large-scale solar PV installations, the areas best suited would be the flat or gently sloping terrain to the west and southwest of Mosul. These regions offer several advantages for solar energy development:

1. They receive ample sunlight throughout the year due to their desert-like climate.
2. The relatively flat terrain makes construction and maintenance of solar arrays easier and more cost-effective.
3. There is less competition for land use compared to the more fertile agricultural areas to the north and east of the city.
4. The sparse vegetation and limited rainfall in these areas reduce concerns about environmental impact and water resource competition.

However, it's important to note that while these areas may be topographically suitable, other factors such as grid connectivity, security considerations, and local regulations would also play crucial roles in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar PV projects in the region.

Citation Guide

Article Details for Citation

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.

©Copyright Aaron Robinson and profileSOLAR.com 2019-2025

Home
Solar: United States
Solar: Worldwide
Solar Panel Tilt Angle
Login

Privacy
Disclaimer
Impressum
Contact Us