Solar PV Analysis of Ashdod, Israel
Ashdod, Southern District, Israel, located at 31.7915°N, 34.6497°E, presents a favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This coastal city in the Northern Sub Tropics experiences significant variations in solar energy production across seasons, offering both opportunities and challenges for solar installations.
Seasonal Solar Production
Solar energy output in Ashdod fluctuates considerably between seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 8.29 kWh per day for each kW of installed capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 7.29 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease to 5.21 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.68 kWh/day.
These figures indicate that Ashdod is particularly well-suited for solar energy production during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn. This period aligns well with increased energy demand for cooling, making solar a valuable resource for meeting peak electricity needs.
Optimal Panel Orientation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Ashdod, Southern District, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 27-degree angle facing south. This orientation ensures optimal exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun angles across seasons.
Environmental Considerations
While Ashdod's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Coastal location: Proximity to the Mediterranean Sea can lead to salt spray and increased humidity, potentially affecting panel efficiency and longevity.
- Dust and sand: The region's arid climate can result in dust accumulation on panels, reducing their effectiveness.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these environmental challenges and ensure optimal solar energy production, consider the following measures:
- Use corrosion-resistant materials for mounting systems and electrical components to combat salt spray effects.
- Implement regular cleaning schedules to remove dust and salt deposits from panel surfaces.
- Install panels at a slight angle to facilitate natural cleaning by rainwater.
- Consider automated cleaning systems for larger installations to maintain efficiency.
By addressing these factors, solar installations in Ashdod can maximize their energy production potential, taking full advantage of the region's abundant sunshine throughout the year.
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 Ashdod
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 31.7915, Longitude: 34.6497 (Ashdod, 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 27° South in Ashdod, Israel
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Ashdod, Israel (Lat/Long 31.7915, 34.6497) 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 Ashdod, 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 Ashdod, Israel. 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 | 24° 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 Ashdod, 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 Ashdod, Israel.
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 Ashdod, Israel
The topography around Ashdod, Israel, is characterized by a relatively flat coastal plain. Ashdod itself is situated along the Mediterranean coast, with the land gently rising as you move eastward from the shoreline. The city and its immediate surroundings are primarily low-lying, with elevations typically ranging from sea level to about 50 meters above sea level.
As you move further inland from Ashdod, the terrain gradually becomes more varied. To the east and southeast, the coastal plain transitions into gently rolling hills, which are part of the Shephelah region. These hills are generally not very steep or high, with elevations rarely exceeding 300 meters above sea level. The landscape in this area is a mix of agricultural land, scattered woodlands, and some urban development.
To the northeast of Ashdod, the terrain remains relatively flat as it extends towards the central part of Israel. This area, known as the coastal plain, continues for several kilometers before it starts to rise more noticeably towards the Judean Hills further east.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the following regions show promise:
1. The inland areas to the east and southeast of Ashdod, where the coastal plain meets the Shephelah, offer good potential. These areas have relatively flat or gently sloping terrain, which is ideal for solar panel installation. The land here is less densely populated than the coastal zone, potentially providing more space for large-scale projects.
2. The agricultural lands to the south and southwest of Ashdod could also be suitable. Many of these areas are already used for farming, but some portions might be repurposed or used in a dual-purpose manner (agrivoltaics) for solar energy production. The flat terrain and open spaces in these regions are advantageous for solar installations.
3. Some of the less developed areas to the northeast of Ashdod, extending towards the central part of Israel, might also be appropriate. These regions often have expansive, flat landscapes that receive ample sunlight, making them potentially suitable for large solar farms.
It's important to note that while these areas may be topographically suitable, other factors such as land ownership, environmental considerations, and proximity to electrical infrastructure would also need to be taken into account when planning large-scale solar PV projects.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 24th of August 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
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