Balqa, Jordan, situated in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 32.0034, 35.6657, offers generally favorable conditions for solar PV energy generation throughout the year, though with significant seasonal variations.

Seasonal Solar Production

Solar energy production in Balqa follows a predictable seasonal pattern. Summer stands out as the most productive season, generating approximately 8.63kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 7.19kWh/day. Production decreases considerably during autumn (5.23kWh/day) and reaches its lowest point in winter (3.46kWh/day).

This pattern creates a more than twofold difference between the best and worst seasons, with summer producing about 2.5 times more energy than winter. For practical purposes, this means any solar installation in Balqa will produce significantly more electricity during the summer months of June through August, with strong performance extending into the spring months of March through May.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Balqa, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 27 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated based on the location's specific solar elevation patterns throughout the year, weighted by the daily photovoltaic potential at this latitude.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several environmental factors in Balqa can impact solar production efficiency:

• Dust and sand accumulation: Jordan's arid climate means dust and sand can regularly collect on solar panels, potentially reducing efficiency by 10-30% if not addressed.
• High summer temperatures: While summer offers the most sunlight, extreme heat can actually reduce panel efficiency when temperatures exceed 25°C (77°F).
• Occasional winter fog and cloud cover: Contributing to the lower winter production figures.

Recommended Preventative Measures

To maximize solar production in Balqa's specific conditions, several preventative measures should be considered:

• Regular cleaning schedule: Implementing automated cleaning systems or a maintenance routine every 2-4 weeks to remove dust accumulation.
• Elevated mounting: Installing panels with sufficient ground clearance to minimize dust collection and allow for better air circulation.
• Temperature-efficient panels: Selecting solar panels with lower temperature coefficients that perform better in high heat conditions.
• Optimized spacing: Ensuring adequate spacing between panels for proper airflow to reduce operating temperatures.

With these considerations addressed, Balqa represents a very good location for solar energy production, particularly from spring through autumn, with acceptable though reduced output during winter 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 8 locations across Jordan. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Jordan by location

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

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 32.0034, Longitude: 35.6657 (Balqa, Jordan), 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 Balqa, Jordan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Balqa, Jordan (Lat/Long 32.0034, 35.6657) 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 Balqa, Jordan

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 Balqa, Jordan. 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 Balqa, Jordan

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 Balqa, Jordan.

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 Balqa, Jordan

The topography surrounding Balqa, Jordan presents a diverse landscape characterized by rolling hills, plateaus, and valleys. Located in western Jordan, Balqa sits at the edge of the Jordan Valley and the highlands that run north-south through the country. The region features dramatic elevation changes, with the western portions descending toward the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea, while the eastern sections rise into the Jordanian highlands.

Terrain Features

The Balqa region encompasses several distinct topographical zones. The western edge drops sharply into the Jordan Valley, with steep slopes and deeply cut wadis (seasonal stream beds). This western escarpment has elevation drops of several hundred meters over relatively short distances. Moving eastward, the landscape transitions to a more gently undulating plateau that sits approximately 600-900 meters above sea level. The central portion of Balqa consists of limestone hills interspersed with fertile valleys. These hills are generally rounded rather than jagged, having been shaped by millennia of erosion. The soil in this region tends to be relatively thin over the limestone bedrock, though the valleys contain deeper, more fertile deposits. To the east, the terrain gradually rises toward the Jordanian Eastern Desert plateau. This area features more open, flatter expanses with occasional rocky outcrops. The transition between the central hills and eastern plateau is marked by a series of broad valleys and gentle slopes.

Solar PV Potential Areas

For large-scale solar photovoltaic installations, several areas around Balqa offer promising characteristics. The eastern plateau regions present the most suitable topography for large solar arrays. These areas combine relatively flat terrain with minimal vegetation cover, reducing the need for extensive land preparation. The open nature of the landscape also minimizes shadowing effects that could reduce solar panel efficiency. Specifically, the transitional zones between the central hills and eastern plateau offer an appealing combination of accessibility and suitable terrain. These areas typically have gentle slopes with southeastern to southwestern aspects, which is advantageous for solar collection throughout the day. The limestone substrate provides solid foundation opportunities for mounting structures. The higher elevation areas of the eastern plateau also benefit from reduced dust compared to the lower Jordan Valley, potentially extending maintenance intervals for solar installations. These upland areas experience less temperature extremes than the valley floor, which can improve photovoltaic performance, as solar panels operate more efficiently in moderate temperatures rather than extreme heat. Areas to avoid would include the steep western slopes descending to the Jordan Valley, despite their western aspect, as the challenging terrain would significantly increase construction costs and environmental impact. Similarly, the fertile valleys within the central hill region would represent a poor choice, as these lands have higher agricultural value and often feature more complex land ownership patterns. The northeastern portions of Balqa Governorate, where the landscape flattens considerably while maintaining good elevation, represent perhaps the optimal balance of favorable topography, accessibility to infrastructure, and minimal competing land uses for large-scale solar development.

Jordan solar PV Stats as a country

Jordan ranks 38th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 1,521 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Jordan is generating 149 Watts from solar PV per capita (Jordan ranks 35th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Jordan?

Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Jordan. The Jordanian government has implemented a number of policies and programs to encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources, including solar energy. These include tax exemptions on imported equipment used for renewable energy projects, subsidies for research and development activities related to renewable energy technologies, and grants for small-scale solar projects. Additionally, the government has established a Renewable Energy Fund that provides financial support to businesses investing in renewable energy projects.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Jordan? 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.