Settat, Morocco, situated at 33.0152° N latitude and -7.6242° E longitude, presents a favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This city in the Northern Sub Tropics experiences varying levels of solar energy production across different seasons, making it an attractive site for solar installations.

Seasonal Solar Energy Production

The solar energy output in Settat fluctuates significantly across seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 7.75 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 6.58 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease to 5.14 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.54 kWh/day.

These figures indicate that Settat enjoys substantial solar potential, particularly from late spring through early autumn. The extended daylight hours and clearer skies during these months contribute to the higher energy yields. Even during the less productive winter months, the location still maintains a reasonable level of solar energy generation.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Settat, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 29 degrees facing south. This optimal angle ensures the panels capture the most sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the sun's changing position across seasons.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

While Settat generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider:

• Dust and sand: The region's arid climate can lead to dust accumulation on solar panels, potentially reducing their efficiency.
• High temperatures: Summer heat may slightly decrease panel efficiency, although this is typically outweighed by the increased sunlight.

To mitigate these issues, regular cleaning of the solar panels is recommended to remove dust buildup. Additionally, installing panels with a slight tilt helps with natural cleaning during occasional rainfall. For temperature concerns, choosing high-quality panels designed to perform well in hot climates can help maintain optimal efficiency.

Overall, Settat's location proves highly suitable for solar PV installations, with its abundant sunlight and relatively mild environmental challenges. With proper installation and maintenance, solar energy systems in this area can provide substantial and reliable power generation throughout the year.

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 Settat

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 33.0152, Longitude: -7.6242 (Settat, 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 29° South in Settat, Morocco

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Settat, Morocco (Lat/Long 33.0152, -7.6242) 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 Settat, 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 Settat, Morocco. 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
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 Settat, 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 Settat, Morocco.

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 Settat, Morocco

The topography around Settat, Morocco, located at coordinates 33.0152, -7.6242, is characterized by a diverse landscape that transitions from coastal plains to inland plateaus. Settat itself is situated on a plateau within the Chaouia region, which is known for its gently rolling hills and expansive plains. The terrain gradually rises as one moves eastward from the Atlantic coast, with Settat sitting at an elevation of approximately 370 meters (1,214 feet) above sea level. To the west of Settat, the landscape becomes flatter as it approaches the coastal plains. This area is predominantly agricultural, with fields and pastures stretching across the horizon. The soil here is generally fertile, supporting various crops and livestock farming. As one moves east and southeast of Settat, the terrain becomes more varied. The landscape begins to show more pronounced hills and valleys, with some areas featuring rocky outcrops and small wadis (dry riverbeds that fill during rainy seasons). This region marks the beginning of the transition towards the Atlas Mountains, though the mountains themselves are still quite distant from Settat.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby Settat for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would ideally combine flat or gently sloping terrain, high solar irradiance, and proximity to existing infrastructure. The areas to the west and southwest of Settat present some of the best opportunities for solar PV development. These regions feature relatively flat terrain with fewer obstacles, making them ideal for the installation of large solar arrays. The open plains in this direction receive ample sunlight throughout the year, which is crucial for maximizing solar energy production. Additionally, the areas immediately surrounding Settat, particularly to the north and south, offer potential for solar PV projects. While these regions may have slightly more varied topography, they still provide sufficient flat or gently sloping land that could accommodate solar installations. The proximity to Settat itself is advantageous, as it allows for easier access to existing electrical infrastructure and transportation networks. It's worth noting that while the more hilly areas to the east and southeast of Settat may be less suitable for expansive solar farms, they could still support smaller-scale or distributed solar projects. These installations could take advantage of south-facing slopes to maximize solar exposure. When planning large-scale solar PV projects in the region, it's essential to consider not only the topography but also factors such as land ownership, environmental impact, and local regulations. Consultation with local authorities and environmental experts would be necessary to identify the most appropriate sites that balance energy production potential with ecological and social considerations.

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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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.