Solar PV Analysis of Zarqa, Jordan
Zarqa, Jordan, situated at latitude 32.0768 and longitude 36.0862, is an advantageous location for solar PV power generation due to its abundant year-round sunlight. The average energy production per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity varies by season: summer yields approximately 8.84 kWh/day, autumn produces around 5.48 kWh/day, winter sees roughly 3.65 kWh/day, and spring generates close to 7.46 kWh/day.
The city's position within the Northern Sub Tropics region contributes to these high solar outputs as it experiences long daylight hours during the summer months and less cloud cover compared to other seasons.
Although Zarqa seldom encounters heavy rainfall or snowfall that could potentially hinder solar power production, dust storms are a significant environmental factor in this region that can reduce the efficiency of solar panels by depositing layers of dust on their surface. To mitigate this issue and ensure optimal energy output from your installation year-round, regular cleaning and maintenance of the panels is recommended.
Furthermore, installing your panels at an ideal tilt angle is crucial for maximizing their exposure to sunlight throughout the year; in Zarqa's case, a fixed panel installation should ideally be tilted at an angle of 27 degrees facing southwards.
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 Zarqa
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 32.0768, Longitude: 36.0862 (Zarqa, 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 Zarqa, Jordan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Zarqa, Jordan (Lat/Long 32.0768, 36.0862) 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 Zarqa, 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 Zarqa, 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 | 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 Zarqa, 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 Zarqa, Jordan.
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 Zarqa, Jordan
Zarqa, Jordan is situated on the northeastern edge of the Jordanian plateau. The topography around Zarqa is predominantly flat or gently rolling plains, with some hilly areas. The region experiences a hot desert climate with long, extremely hot summers and short, cool winters.
The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations would be the flat or gently rolling plains that receive high levels of sunlight throughout the year. These areas are ideal as they provide large expanses of land for solar panel installation and maximum exposure to sunlight.
However, it's also important to consider factors such as proximity to power grids for energy transmission and impact on local ecosystems before selecting a site for large-scale solar PV projects. It would be best if feasible studies were carried out by professionals in this field to identify suitable locations considering all these factors including social and economic impacts as well.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 16th of November 2023
Last Updated: Wednesday 26th of June 2024
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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.
