Solar PV Analysis of Beirut, Lebanon
Beirut, Beyrouth, Lebanon (latitude: 33.874, longitude: 35.5089) is a suitable location for generating solar photovoltaic (PV) power due to its varying seasonal energy production levels. The average energy output per day per kW of installed solar in this region is as follows: 8.62 kWh in summer, 5.23 kWh in autumn, 3.31 kWh in winter, and 7.00 kWh in spring. These values are characteristic of the Northern Subtropics area where Beirut is located.
For optimal energy generation at this location, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 29 degrees facing south to maximize sunlight exposure throughout the year.
While weather conditions such as heavy rain or strong winds can potentially reduce solar PV energy generation, these factors are not unique to Beirut and would affect any location experiencing similar conditions. To ensure greater energy production and minimize potential disruptions caused by local environmental factors, it is essential to properly maintain the solar installation and consider protective measures such as installing durable mounting systems that can withstand harsh weather conditions or incorporating debris guards to prevent accumulation on the panels' surface.
Overall, Beirut's geographical position makes it a viable location for harnessing solar power year-round with appropriate installation techniques and maintenance practices in place to address any potential challenges posed by local environmental factors.
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 22 locations across Lebanon. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Lebanon by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Beirut
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 33.874, Longitude: 35.5089 (Beirut, Lebanon), 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 29° South in Beirut, Lebanon
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Beirut, Lebanon (Lat/Long 33.874, 35.5089) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 29° 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 Beirut, Lebanon
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 Beirut, Lebanon. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 29° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18° South in Summer | 38° South in Autumn | 48° South in Winter | 26° 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 Beirut, Lebanon
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 Beirut, Lebanon.
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 Beirut, Lebanon
The topography around Beirut, Lebanon is generally hilly and mountainous. The most suitable areas nearby for large-scale solar PV would be flat or gently sloping terrain with unobstructed access to direct sunlight. Areas such as the coastal plains of Mount Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and the southern part of Beirut could be ideal locations for large-scale solar PV projects.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Sunday 9th of October 2022
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
Tell Us About Your Work
We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.
Feeling generous?
Share this with your friends!
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.
