Eilat, Southern District, Israel, located at 29.548°N, 34.9556°E, offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Sub-Tropics, this coastal city experiences abundant sunshine, making it an attractive site for solar power installations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output in Eilat varies significantly across seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 8.96 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 8.10 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease to 5.91 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 4.47 kWh/day.

These figures indicate that Eilat's solar potential remains substantial throughout the year, with peak performance during the longer, sunnier days of summer and spring. Even during the less productive winter months, the output remains noteworthy, especially compared to many other global locations.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Eilat, Southern District, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 25 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight across seasons, balancing the high summer sun with the lower winter sun angle.

Environmental Considerations

While Eilat's climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

• Dust and sand: Eilat's desert environment can lead to dust accumulation on panels, potentially reducing efficiency.
• High temperatures: Extreme heat during summer months might slightly decrease panel efficiency.

To mitigate these issues, regular cleaning of panels is essential to remove dust buildup. Additionally, installing panels with a slight elevation to allow airflow underneath can help manage heat-related efficiency losses. Choosing high-quality, heat-resistant panels is also advisable for this climate.

Overall, Eilat's location proves highly suitable for solar PV energy generation. With its abundant sunshine and relatively mild winters, the city offers excellent conditions for solar power throughout the year, making it an ideal spot for both residential and commercial solar installations.

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 Eilat

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 29.548, Longitude: 34.9556 (Eilat, 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 25° South in Eilat, Israel

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Eilat, Israel (Lat/Long 29.548, 34.9556) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 25° 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 Eilat, 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 Eilat, Israel. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 25° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
13° South in Summer	34° South in Autumn	45° South in Winter	22° 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 Eilat, 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 Eilat, 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 Eilat, Israel

Eilat, Israel, situated at the southernmost tip of the country, is surrounded by a diverse and striking topography that reflects the unique geological features of the region. The city itself is nestled between the stark, rugged mountains of the Negev Desert and the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea's Gulf of Aqaba. To the north and west of Eilat, the landscape is dominated by the Negev Desert, a vast expanse of arid terrain characterized by rocky hills, steep cliffs, and deep valleys. The Eilat Mountains, part of the larger Negev mountain range, rise dramatically from the desert floor, creating a stunning backdrop for the city. These mountains, composed primarily of granite and sandstone, display a palette of warm reds, oranges, and browns that shift in hue as the sun moves across the sky.

Desert Plains and Wadis

Interspersed among the mountainous areas are flat, gravelly plains and dry riverbeds known as wadis. These features, while appearing barren at first glance, support a surprising variety of desert-adapted flora and fauna. The wadis, in particular, can transform into temporary streams during rare rainfall events, bringing brief bursts of life to the otherwise arid landscape. To the east, the terrain slopes gently towards the Gulf of Aqaba, forming a narrow coastal plain where Eilat is situated. This area is characterized by sandy beaches and coral reefs that make it a popular destination for tourists and marine enthusiasts.

Potential for Solar PV Development

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, the vast desert expanses to the north and west of Eilat present the most promising opportunities. These areas offer several advantages for solar energy development: Firstly, the Negev Desert receives an abundance of sunlight throughout the year, with minimal cloud cover and high solar radiation levels. This consistent and intense solar exposure is ideal for maximizing energy production from PV panels. Secondly, the relatively flat desert plains provide ample space for large-scale solar installations without the need for extensive land preparation or the disruption of ecologically sensitive areas. These open spaces allow for optimal panel placement and easy access for maintenance. Thirdly, the sparse vegetation and low population density in these desert regions mean that solar developments would have minimal impact on existing land uses or human settlements. However, it's important to note that while the desert environment is generally favorable for solar PV, developers would need to consider factors such as dust accumulation on panels, which could reduce efficiency, and the need for robust infrastructure to transport the generated electricity to population centers. In conclusion, the topography around Eilat offers a dramatic contrast between mountainous desert landscapes and coastal plains. This unique setting not only provides a stunning natural backdrop but also presents significant potential for harnessing solar energy in the vast, sun-drenched expanses of the Negev Desert to the north and west of the city.

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.