Ofakim, Southern District, Israel presents an excellent location for year-round solar PV energy generation, situated in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 31.3109°N, 34.6275°E. The location demonstrates strong solar production potential across all seasons, with particularly impressive performance during the warmer months.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output at Ofakim varies significantly throughout the year, reflecting the seasonal changes typical of this latitude. Summer delivers the highest production at 8.31 kWh per day per kW of installed capacity, making it the prime season for solar generation. Spring follows as the second-best performing season with 7.26 kWh per day per kW, offering nearly comparable output to summer months. Autumn production drops to 5.15 kWh per day per kW, which still represents reasonable energy generation for most applications. Winter shows the lowest output at 3.64 kWh per day per kW, though this remains viable for solar installations when considered as part of the annual energy mix.

Optimal Installation Configuration

For maximum year-round solar production at Ofakim, Southern District, fixed solar panels should be tilted at 27 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize total annual energy output by accounting for the sun's changing position throughout the year and weighting the angles based on actual solar irradiance data for this specific location.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Several local factors could potentially impact solar production efficiency at this location and require consideration during installation:

• Desert dust and sand accumulation: Ofakim's proximity to desert regions means panels are susceptible to dust buildup, which can significantly reduce energy output
• High summer temperatures: Extreme heat can reduce panel efficiency, as photovoltaic cells typically perform less efficiently at very high temperatures
• Occasional sandstorms: These weather events can coat panels with fine particles and temporarily reduce production
• Water scarcity: Limited water availability may complicate regular panel cleaning and maintenance

Preventative Measures for Optimal Performance

To maximize solar energy production despite these challenges, several installation and maintenance strategies prove effective. Installing panels with anti-soiling coatings can help reduce dust adhesion and make cleaning more effective when performed. Automated cleaning systems or regular manual cleaning schedules become essential in this environment to maintain peak performance. Proper panel mounting with adequate ventilation space beneath the panels helps combat efficiency losses from high temperatures. Some installations benefit from tracking systems that can position panels to minimize dust accumulation during sandstorms, though this adds complexity and cost. Water-efficient cleaning methods, such as dry cleaning systems or minimal water techniques, address the water scarcity challenge while maintaining panel cleanliness. Regular monitoring systems can alert operators to performance drops that indicate cleaning or maintenance needs. Despite these environmental challenges, Ofakim's strong solar resource makes it highly suitable for solar PV installations when proper preventative measures are implemented during design and ongoing maintenance phases.

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 Ofakim

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 31.3109, Longitude: 34.6275 (Ofakim, 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 Ofakim, Israel

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Ofakim, Israel (Lat/Long 31.3109, 34.6275) 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 Ofakim, 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 Ofakim, 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
15° South in Summer	36° South in Autumn	46° 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 Ofakim, 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 Ofakim, 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 Ofakim, Israel

Topography Around Ofakim

The landscape surrounding Ofakim in southern Israel is characterized by relatively flat, gently undulating terrain that forms part of the northern Negev Desert region. This area sits at a modest elevation of approximately 200 meters above sea level, with the topography gradually sloping downward toward the Mediterranean coastal plain to the west and rising slightly toward the Judean Hills to the northeast. The terrain consists primarily of semi-arid plains with low-relief rolling hills and shallow valleys carved by seasonal watercourses called wadis. These dry riverbeds remain empty for most of the year but can carry water during the brief winter rainy season. The soil composition includes loess deposits and alluvial sediments, creating a relatively stable foundation across much of the region. Vegetation is sparse, typical of semi-arid environments, with scattered shrubs, drought-resistant grasses, and occasional acacia trees. The landscape is predominantly open with minimal tree cover, which contributes to excellent visibility across the terrain and minimal natural shading.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The broad, flat expanses stretching south and southeast of Ofakim present ideal conditions for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations. These areas benefit from minimal topographical variation, which reduces construction costs and simplifies the installation of solar arrays. The gentle slopes that do exist are typically less than five degrees, well within acceptable parameters for solar panel mounting systems. The western approaches toward the coastal plain also offer suitable terrain, though development in this direction may encounter more agricultural activity and existing infrastructure. The relatively stable geological conditions throughout the region minimize concerns about ground settlement or seismic activity that could affect solar installations. Areas with existing road access or proximity to transmission infrastructure would be particularly advantageous for development. The open nature of the landscape means that most locations would have minimal issues with shading from natural features, while the sparse vegetation reduces environmental impact concerns and land clearing requirements. The consistent topography across large contiguous areas makes it possible to develop substantial solar farms without the need for extensive grading or terrain modification, keeping development costs manageable while maximizing the potential for renewable energy generation in this climatically favorable region.

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.