Solar PV Analysis of Safi, Morocco
Safi, Morocco, located at latitude 32.3019 and longitude -9.2334 in the Northern Sub Tropics, offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation with distinct seasonal variations in output potential.
Seasonal Solar Production
Solar energy generation at this location shows significant seasonal fluctuations. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with panels capable of generating 7.65kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows closely with an impressive 6.93kWh/day output. Production decreases during autumn to 5.21kWh/day, while winter represents the lowest generation period with 3.72kWh/day per installed kilowatt.
This pattern creates a favorable scenario where approximately 60% of annual energy production occurs during spring and summer months, making Safi particularly suitable for solar applications with higher summer energy demands.
Optimal Panel Installation
For maximum year-round production at this location, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 28-degree tilt facing South. This specific angle has been calculated to optimize annual energy capture based on Safi's geographical position and seasonal solar patterns.
Environmental Considerations
Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production in Safi:
- Dust and sand accumulation: Safi's proximity to arid regions means panels may experience dust buildup, potentially reducing efficiency by 10-30% if not addressed. Installing automated cleaning systems or scheduling regular manual cleaning can mitigate this issue.
- Coastal salt spray: Being an Atlantic coastal city, salt accumulation on panels can cause corrosion and reduced performance. Using marine-grade materials and protective coatings on mounting hardware can extend system lifespan.
- Temperature effects: High summer temperatures can slightly reduce panel efficiency. Ensuring adequate airflow behind panels through proper mounting with sufficient clearance can help manage heat-related performance losses.
Despite these challenges, Safi's strong solar resource, particularly from March through September, makes it an excellent location for solar PV deployment when proper installation practices are followed.
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 Safi
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 32.3019, Longitude: -9.2334 (Safi, 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 Safi, Morocco
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Safi, Morocco (Lat/Long 32.3019, -9.2334) 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 Safi, 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 Safi, 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 | 37° 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 Safi, 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 Safi, 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 Safi, Morocco
Topographical Features Around Safi
The coastal city of Safi sits on Morocco's Atlantic shoreline, positioned on relatively flat terrain that gradually rises inland from the ocean. The immediate coastal area features low-lying plains and gentle undulations, with the city itself built on a modest bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Moving eastward from the coast, the landscape transitions into rolling hills and plateaus that characterize much of this region of Morocco.
The terrain around Safi is predominantly composed of sedimentary formations, creating a landscape of moderate relief with elevations ranging from sea level at the coast to several hundred meters inland. The area lacks significant mountain ranges or dramatic elevation changes, instead featuring a series of gentle ridges and shallow valleys that extend toward the interior. Small seasonal watercourses cut through the landscape, creating minor topographical variations but nothing that would pose major obstacles to large-scale development.
The coastal plain extends roughly 10-15 kilometers inland before giving way to more elevated terrain. This transition zone features gradually increasing elevations and broader, flatter areas that are well-suited to various types of development. The soil composition varies from sandy coastal deposits near the ocean to more clay-rich soils further inland, with areas of rocky outcrops scattered throughout the region.
Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development
The most promising locations for extensive solar photovoltaic installations lie in the elevated plateaus and broad valleys situated 15-30 kilometers east and southeast of Safi. These areas offer several key advantages including relatively flat terrain that minimizes grading requirements, stable geological foundations, and sufficient distance from the coast to avoid salt air corrosion while remaining accessible for infrastructure development.
The plateau regions southeast of the city present particularly attractive conditions, with expansive flat or gently sloping areas that could accommodate large solar arrays without significant terrain modification. These elevated areas also benefit from consistent wind patterns that help maintain optimal panel temperatures, while their inland position reduces the potential for coastal fog and humidity that can affect solar panel efficiency.
Areas along the broad valleys that run roughly parallel to the coast, particularly those 20-40 kilometers inland, also show strong potential for solar development. These locations combine favorable topography with proximity to existing transportation corridors and electrical infrastructure. The terrain in these valleys is generally stable and well-drained, reducing foundation concerns and maintenance issues that might arise in more challenging topographical settings.
The region's moderate topographical relief works in favor of solar installations, as the gentle hills and plateaus provide natural wind flow that helps prevent dust accumulation on panels while avoiding the extreme wind exposure that might occur on more elevated terrain. The absence of significant forested areas or sensitive ecological zones in much of the inland territory also simplifies the site selection and permitting process for large-scale solar projects.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 30th of June 2025
Last Updated: Tuesday 5th of August 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.
