Solar Energy Potential in Mafraq, Jordan

Mafraq, Jordan, located at the northern edge of the subtropics, offers promising conditions for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production that potential solar developers should consider. The solar potential in Mafraq follows a clear seasonal pattern. Summer stands out as the most productive season, with each kilowatt of installed solar capacity generating an impressive 8.87 kWh per day. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 7.45 kWh daily output per kilowatt installed. Autumn sees a moderate decrease to 5.43 kWh daily, while winter production drops to its lowest at 3.58 kWh per day per kilowatt installed.

Seasonal Performance

The substantial difference between summer and winter production (nearly 2.5 times more energy in summer) indicates that Mafraq experiences significant seasonal variations. This pattern is typical for locations in the northern subtropics, where the sun's path varies considerably throughout the year. The strong performance in both summer and spring makes these seasons particularly valuable for solar energy generation, potentially offsetting the reduced winter output. For fixed solar panel installations in Mafraq, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 27 degrees facing South. This carefully calculated angle optimizes annual energy capture by balancing seasonal variations in the sun's position.

Environmental Considerations

Several environmental factors in Mafraq can impact solar energy production. Dust accumulation presents a significant challenge in this semi-arid region. Fine dust particles can reduce panel efficiency by 10-30% if not regularly cleaned. Implementing automated cleaning systems or scheduling regular manual cleaning can mitigate this issue. High summer temperatures in Mafraq can also reduce solar panel efficiency, as photovoltaic cells typically lose efficiency above 25°C. Selecting heat-resistant panels with lower temperature coefficients and ensuring adequate airflow behind panels through proper mounting can help minimize these efficiency losses. Occasional sandstorms may temporarily reduce production and potentially cause physical damage to panels. Installing protective barriers where appropriate and using tempered glass panels with high impact resistance can provide additional protection against these weather events. Despite these challenges, Mafraq's location offers excellent solar potential, particularly from spring through autumn, making it a viable site for solar energy development when proper installation and maintenance practices are followed.

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 6 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 Mafraq

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 32.3474, Longitude: 36.2034 (Mafraq, 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 Mafraq, Jordan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Mafraq, Jordan (Lat/Long 32.3474, 36.2034) 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 Mafraq, 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 Mafraq, 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	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 Mafraq, 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 Mafraq, 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 Mafraq, Jordan

Mafraq, Jordan, situated at the geographic coordinates of 32.3474 latitude and 36.2034 longitude, presents a distinctive topographical landscape characteristic of the northern Jordanian plateau. The terrain around Mafraq is predominantly flat to gently undulating, with an average elevation of approximately 700 meters above sea level. This high plateau region forms part of the larger Jordanian Highland area, which gradually transitions into more arid landscapes toward the east and northeast. The topography of Mafraq is characterized by its relatively level plains interspersed with occasional low hills and shallow wadis (dry riverbeds). The landscape features sparse vegetation typical of semi-arid environments, with limited natural tree cover and predominantly scrubland and grassland ecosystems. The soil composition tends toward calcareous and basaltic types, reflecting the region's geological history.

Strategic Geographical Position

Mafraq occupies a strategically significant location near Jordan's northern border with Syria, approximately 80 kilometers northeast of Amman. The surrounding terrain gradually slopes downward toward the eastern desert regions, where the landscape becomes increasingly flat and arid. This transitional zone between the more fertile western highlands and the eastern desert creates a varied topographical profile across the wider region. The area experiences minimal topographical barriers, with few significant mountain ranges or deep valleys that might impede development or cast shadows. This relatively unobstructed terrain contributes to consistent solar exposure throughout the region, making much of the surrounding area potentially suitable for solar energy development.

Optimal Areas for Solar PV Development

Several areas in the vicinity of Mafraq present particularly favorable conditions for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations. The eastern and southeastern plains extending from Mafraq toward the Saudi Arabian border offer extensive flat terrain with minimal competing land uses. These areas, characterized by their level topography and limited agricultural value, provide ideal conditions for solar array deployment with minimal need for terrain modification. The northeastern corridor between Mafraq and the Syrian border also presents suitable topography, featuring vast open spaces with consistent elevation and good solar exposure. The relatively flat landscape in this direction minimizes construction challenges and reduces installation costs associated with terrain modification. Southern expanses toward Zarqa also merit consideration, though the slightly more undulating terrain may require selective siting. This region benefits from the same high-plateau characteristics while offering proximity to existing transmission infrastructure connecting to major population centers.

Topographical Considerations for Solar Development

When evaluating specific sites around Mafraq for solar PV implementation, several topographical factors warrant particular attention. Areas with minimal slope (ideally less than 3-5%) reduce construction complexity and associated costs. The predominantly flat terrain throughout much of the region satisfies this requirement across extensive areas. Locations that avoid wadi systems are preferable to minimize flood risk during occasional heavy rainfall events. While precipitation is limited in this semi-arid region, flash flooding can occur in natural drainage channels during intense winter storms. The absence of significant geological formations that might cast shadows represents another topographical advantage of the Mafraq region. With few tall mountains or deep valleys, most areas enjoy unobstructed solar exposure throughout the day, maximizing potential energy generation. The combination of high elevation, clear atmospheric conditions typical of semi-arid environments, and minimal topographical interference makes the broader Mafraq region one of Jordan's most promising areas for utility-scale solar energy development. These natural advantages have already attracted significant investment in renewable energy infrastructure, positioning the region as an emerging hub for solar power generation within the national energy landscape.

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

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