Atyrau, Kazakhstan, situated at coordinates 47.1169, 51.8853 in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a varied landscape for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar energy production, which impacts its overall suitability for year-round solar power generation.

Seasonal Solar Output

The solar energy potential in Atyrau varies dramatically across seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 6.74 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, generating 5.10 kWh/day. However, autumn sees a substantial drop to 3.14 kWh/day, while winter experiences a significant decline to just 1.32 kWh/day.

These figures indicate that Atyrau's solar potential is heavily skewed towards the warmer months. The period from late spring through early autumn offers the most favorable conditions for solar energy production, with long daylight hours and generally clearer skies contributing to higher energy yields.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Atyrau, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 39 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several environmental factors in Atyrau can impact solar energy production:

1. Extreme temperature variations: Atyrau experiences hot summers and very cold winters, which can affect solar panel efficiency.
2. Dust and sand: The region's semi-arid climate can lead to dust accumulation on panels, reducing their effectiveness.
3. Snow cover: Winter snowfall can temporarily decrease energy production.

To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing the following measures:

• Use high-quality, temperature-resistant solar panels designed for extreme climates.
• Install automated cleaning systems or schedule regular manual cleaning to remove dust and sand.
• Employ panels with anti-soiling coatings to minimize dust accumulation.
• Install panels at a steeper angle during winter to facilitate snow sliding off.

While Atyrau's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, particularly during the winter months, proper planning and mitigation strategies can help maximize the potential of solar PV systems in this region.

Note: The Northern Temperate Zone extends from 35° latitude North up to 66.5° latitude.

So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 28 locations across Kazakhstan. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Kazakhstan by location

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

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.1169, Longitude: 51.8853 (Atyrau, Kazakhstan), 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 39° South in Atyrau, Kazakhstan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Atyrau, Kazakhstan (Lat/Long 47.1169, 51.8853) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 39° 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 Atyrau, Kazakhstan

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 Atyrau, Kazakhstan. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 39° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
31° South in Summer	50° South in Autumn	61° South in Winter	39° 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 Atyrau, Kazakhstan

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 Atyrau, Kazakhstan.

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 Atyrau, Kazakhstan

The topography surrounding Atyrau, Kazakhstan, is characterized by its remarkably flat and low-lying terrain. Located near the northern shores of the Caspian Sea, Atyrau sits in the heart of the vast Caspian Depression, one of the lowest-lying areas on Earth. The landscape is dominated by expansive steppe and semi-desert, with very little variation in elevation across the region. The area around Atyrau is primarily composed of sandy and clay soils, interspersed with salt flats and occasional shallow depressions. The Ural River, which flows through Atyrau, creates a subtle riparian zone that stands out against the otherwise arid surroundings. However, beyond the immediate vicinity of the river, the land quickly returns to its flat, featureless expanse.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

The regions surrounding Atyrau offer several favorable conditions for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The vast, open spaces of the steppe provide ample room for extensive solar arrays without the need for significant land clearing or topographical modifications. The lack of tall vegetation or geographical features also means minimal shadowing, allowing for optimal solar exposure throughout the day. Areas to the east and southeast of Atyrau would be particularly well-suited for solar PV projects. These regions experience less precipitation and have slightly higher elevations compared to the immediate surroundings of the city, potentially reducing the risk of flooding or water accumulation that could affect solar installations. The semi-arid climate of the region, characterized by hot summers and abundant sunshine, further enhances the potential for solar energy generation. However, it's important to note that the presence of dust and occasional sandstorms in the area would necessitate regular cleaning and maintenance of solar panels to ensure optimal efficiency. While the flat terrain offers advantages for solar PV installation, developers would need to consider the region's soil composition and potential for erosion. Areas with more stable soil structures, possibly those with a higher clay content, would be preferable to minimize foundation issues for solar array supports. In conclusion, the expansive, flat topography around Atyrau presents significant opportunities for large-scale solar PV development, with areas to the east and southeast of the city being particularly promising due to their elevation and climate characteristics.

Kazakhstan solar PV Stats as a country

Kazakhstan ranks 44th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 1,037 total MW's of solar PV installed. [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Kazakhstan?

Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Kazakhstan. The government of Kazakhstan has implemented a number of policies and programs to promote the use of renewable energy sources, including solar energy. These include tax exemptions, grants, and subsidies for businesses that install solar systems. Additionally, the government has established a Renewable Energy Fund which provides financial support for projects related to renewable energy development.

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