Solar PV Analysis of Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakesh, Morocco is a favorable location for solar PV generation due to its abundant sunlight throughout the year. The average energy production per kW of installed solar varies by season, with 8.30 kWh/day in Summer, 5.64 kWh/day in Autumn, 4.29 kWh/day in Winter, and 7.09 kWh/day in Spring. This indicates that the summer months are particularly productive for solar power generation as they receive more hours of sunlight daily compared to other seasons.
To optimize energy production at this location, it is recommended to install fixed solar panels at a tilt angle of 28 degrees facing south. This orientation ensures maximum exposure to sunlight and enhances overall efficiency.
However, certain environmental factors may impact the performance of solar PV systems in Marrakesh. High winds or dust storms can reduce efficiency by limiting direct sunlight exposure and increasing air resistance from wind gusts or dust particles obstructing light from reaching the panels. Moreover, extreme temperatures can affect system performance by decreasing efficiency and causing wear and tear on components if not properly managed through cooling solutions such as fans or water-cooled systems.
To mitigate these potential challenges, it is essential to implement preventative measures during installation such as securing panels against high winds using robust mounting structures and incorporating cooling solutions for temperature management. Regular maintenance should also be conducted to ensure optimal energy production despite any local environmental factors that may arise over time.
In conclusion, Marrakesh offers a suitable environment for generating solar power year-round with proper installation techniques and ongoing maintenance practices addressing potential weather-related challenges unique to this region
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 43 locations across Morocco. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Morocco by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Marrakesh
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 31.6298, Longitude: -8.0101 (Marrakesh, Morocco), 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 Marrakesh, Morocco
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Marrakesh, Morocco (Lat/Long 31.6298, -8.0101) 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 Marrakesh, Morocco
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 Marrakesh, Morocco. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16° South in Summer | 36° 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 Marrakesh, Morocco
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 Marrakesh, Morocco.
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 Marrakesh, Morocco
The topography around Marrakesh, Morocco is mostly flat and low-lying with some rolling hills. Areas that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV include flat, open spaces such as desert areas or agricultural land. These areas tend to have the highest levels of direct sunlight and are therefore ideal for solar energy production. Additionally, any area that has a good access to infrastructure such as roads and transmission lines would also be suitable for large-scale solar PV installations.
Morocco solar PV Stats as a country
Morocco ranks 45th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 774 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 1.30% of Morocco's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 36th in the world). Each year Morocco is generating 21 Watts from solar PV per capita (Morocco ranks 65th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Morocco?
Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Morocco. The Moroccan government has implemented a number of policies and programs to encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources, including solar energy. These include tax credits, subsidies, and feed-in tariffs that provide financial support for businesses investing in solar power systems. Additionally, the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) provides technical assistance and financing options to help businesses with their solar projects.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Morocco? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 11th of August 2022
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.
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.
