Afikim, Northern District, Israel is located in an excellent position for year-round solar energy generation, situated in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 32.6757, 35.5746. This location demonstrates strong solar potential across all seasons, making it highly suitable for solar photovoltaic installations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy production at Afikim varies significantly throughout the year, with summer being the peak season. During summer months, solar panels can generate 8.63 kWh per day for each kW of installed capacity, making this the most productive time of year. Spring follows as the second-best season with 7.19 kWh per day per kW, while autumn produces 5.23 kWh per day per kW. Winter shows the lowest output at 3.47 kWh per day per kW, though this still represents reasonable production levels. The ideal months for solar generation at this location are clearly the summer period, followed by spring. Even during the less productive autumn and winter seasons, the location maintains decent solar output, indicating consistent year-round viability for solar energy systems.

Optimal Panel Configuration

For maximum year-round energy production at Afikim, Northern District, solar panels should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 28 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize total annual solar output by accounting for the sun's varying position throughout the year and weighting the angles based on solar irradiance data that considers Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Several local factors at Afikim could potentially impact solar energy production and require consideration during installation:

• Desert dust and sand: The location's proximity to arid regions means regular accumulation of dust and fine sand particles on solar panels, which can significantly reduce efficiency
• High summer temperatures: Extreme heat can cause solar panels to operate less efficiently, as most photovoltaic systems lose efficiency as temperatures rise above optimal levels
• Occasional sandstorms: Regional weather patterns may bring sandstorms that can coat panels heavily and temporarily reduce output
• Water scarcity: Limited water resources in the region can make regular panel cleaning more challenging and expensive

Preventative Measures for Optimal Performance

To maximize solar energy production despite these challenges, several preventative measures should be implemented:

• Anti-soiling coatings: Apply hydrophobic or self-cleaning coatings to panel surfaces to reduce dust adhesion and improve natural cleaning from occasional rainfall
• Automated cleaning systems: Install robotic cleaning systems or water-efficient spray systems that can regularly clean panels without requiring significant water usage
• Proper ventilation design: Ensure adequate airflow around and beneath panels to help manage high temperatures and maintain efficiency
• Regular maintenance scheduling: Establish frequent inspection and cleaning schedules, particularly during dusty seasons
• Tilt optimization for dust shedding: The recommended 28-degree tilt angle also helps with natural dust removal during any precipitation

Despite these environmental challenges, Afikim remains an excellent location for solar energy generation. With proper installation techniques and maintenance practices, solar installations at this location can achieve high performance levels year-round, with particularly strong output during spring and summer months.

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 100 locations across Israel. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Israel by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Afikim

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 32.6757, Longitude: 35.5746 (Afikim, Israel), 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 Afikim, Israel

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Afikim, Israel (Lat/Long 32.6757, 35.5746) 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 Afikim, Israel

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 Afikim, Israel. 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	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 Afikim, Israel

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 Afikim, Israel.

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 Afikim, Israel

Topographical Features Around Afikim

Afikim sits in the Jordan Valley, one of Israel's most distinctive geographical regions. This area forms part of the Great Rift Valley system, creating a dramatic landscape characterized by relatively flat valley floors surrounded by elevated terrain. The immediate vicinity around Afikim features predominantly flat to gently rolling agricultural land, sitting at approximately 200 meters below sea level.

The Jordan River flows nearby to the east, creating fertile alluvial plains that have been extensively cultivated for agriculture. These low-lying areas extend northward toward the Sea of Galilee and southward deeper into the Jordan Valley. The terrain here consists mainly of sedimentary deposits and alluvial soils, forming relatively level expanses broken by occasional low hills and ancient terraces.

To the west, the landscape begins to rise toward the Galilee hills, creating a transitional zone of gentle slopes and undulating terrain. The eastern boundary of the area approaches the Jordan River itself, beyond which the land rises sharply toward the Jordanian highlands. This creates a natural bowl-like formation with Afikim positioned on the western side of the valley floor.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most suitable locations for extensive solar photovoltaic installations would be the expansive flat areas stretching south and southwest of Afikim. These zones offer the ideal combination of level terrain and minimal topographical obstacles that could create shading issues. The agricultural plains in this direction provide large contiguous areas where solar arrays could be installed with minimal grading or site preparation requirements.

The gently sloping areas on the western margins of the valley floor also present excellent opportunities for solar development. These locations benefit from slight elevation changes that can actually enhance solar panel positioning while maintaining relatively easy construction access. The gradual rise toward the Galilee hills creates natural south-facing slopes that could be advantageous for panel orientation.

Areas immediately adjacent to existing agricultural infrastructure would be particularly practical for solar development, as they already have established road access and electrical grid connections. The flat expanses used for field crops could potentially accommodate ground-mounted solar installations, either as dedicated solar farms or as part of agrivoltaic systems that combine agriculture with energy production.

The terrain north of Afikim, extending toward the Sea of Galilee region, also offers suitable topography for large-scale solar projects. These areas maintain the valley floor's characteristic flatness while providing good accessibility and proximity to population centers that could utilize the generated electricity. The absence of significant rock outcroppings or steep gradients in these zones would minimize construction challenges and associated costs.

Israel solar PV Stats as a country

Israel ranks 29th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 2,555 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 4.70% of Israel's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 17th in the world). Each year Israel is generating 277 Watts from solar PV per capita (Israel ranks 16th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Israel?

Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Israel. The Israeli government offers a variety of financial incentives and subsidies for businesses that install solar energy systems. These include grants, tax credits, and low-interest loans. Additionally, the government has implemented a feed-in tariff program which guarantees a fixed price for electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar power. This helps to ensure that businesses can recoup their investment in solar energy over time.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Israel? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!

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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.