Solar PV Analysis of Sidon, Lebanon
Sidon, South Governorate, Lebanon, situated at 33.5646°N, 35.3649°E, offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This coastal city in the Northern Sub Tropics experiences varying levels of solar potential across different seasons.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 8.62 kWh/day output per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 7.00 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease to 5.23 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.31 kWh/day.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the region's seasonal variations. However, even during the least productive winter months, Sidon still maintains a respectable solar energy potential.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Sidon, South Governorate, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 28-degree angle facing south. This optimal tilt angle ensures the best overall performance across all seasons, balancing the high summer sun with the lower winter sun position.
Environmental Considerations
While Sidon's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider:
- Coastal humidity and salt spray can potentially affect solar panel efficiency and longevity.
- Occasional dust storms from nearby desert regions may temporarily reduce panel performance.
To mitigate these issues, installers should consider using corrosion-resistant materials, applying protective coatings to panels, and implementing regular cleaning routines. Additionally, installing panels at a slight angle can help with natural cleaning during rainfall.
Conclusion
Overall, Sidon presents an ideal location for solar PV energy generation, with strong potential throughout the year, particularly from spring through autumn. While winter sees reduced output, it still contributes significantly to the annual energy production. By optimizing panel placement and addressing environmental factors, Sidon can harness its solar potential effectively, contributing to a sustainable energy future.
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 Sidon
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 33.5646, Longitude: 35.3649 (Sidon, 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 28° South in Sidon, Lebanon
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sidon, Lebanon (Lat/Long 33.5646, 35.3649) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 28° 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 Sidon, 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 Sidon, Lebanon. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 28° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17° 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 Sidon, 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 Sidon, 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 Sidon, Lebanon
The topography around Sidon, Lebanon is quite diverse and interesting. Sidon is a coastal city located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. The immediate area around the city is relatively flat, with a narrow coastal plain that stretches along the shoreline. This coastal plain is where much of the urban development and agricultural activity takes place.
As you move inland from the coast, the terrain begins to rise gradually. The landscape transitions into gently rolling hills and low plateaus. These areas are often covered with olive groves, orchards, and other agricultural lands. The soil in this region is generally fertile, which has made it suitable for farming throughout history.
Further east, the terrain becomes more rugged and mountainous. The Lebanon Mountains, which run parallel to the coast, begin to rise more dramatically. These mountains can reach heights of over 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) in some areas, though not immediately near Sidon. The slopes of these mountains are often steep and covered with forests, particularly cedar trees, which are emblematic of Lebanon.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
The coastal plain and lower hills just inland from Sidon could potentially be suitable for solar PV projects. These areas receive ample sunlight and have relatively flat or gently sloping terrain, which is ideal for installing solar panels. However, much of this land is already in use for agriculture or urban development, which could limit available space.
The higher elevations in the foothills of the Lebanon Mountains might also be good candidates for solar installations. These areas often have south-facing slopes that could maximize sun exposure throughout the day. Additionally, they are less likely to be heavily developed or used for intensive agriculture.
It's important to note that while the mountainous regions receive plenty of sunlight, the steeper slopes and more rugged terrain could make large-scale installations more challenging and expensive. Therefore, the most practical areas for solar PV would likely be on the gentler slopes and plateaus at intermediate elevations, where there's a balance between good sun exposure and manageable terrain.
Any large-scale solar project would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, land use conflicts, and proximity to existing electrical infrastructure. Additionally, factors such as local climate conditions, including potential for dust or snow, would need to be taken into account when selecting the most suitable sites for solar PV in the region around Sidon.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 24th of July 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
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Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
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