Solar PV Analysis of Nizwa, Oman
Nizwa, Ad Dakhiliyah, Oman, which is located in the Tropics, appears to be a good location for generating energy using solar panels all year round. This is due to its consistent sunlight throughout most of the year and seasonal changes that are more based on wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature fluctuations.
The amount of electricity you can expect to get per kilowatt (kW) of installed solar varies by season. During summer, you can expect around 7.59 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day; in autumn this drops slightly to 6.26 kWh/day; winter sees further reduction down to 5.57 kWh/day; while spring sees an increase back up to 7.78 kWh/day.
This means that although there's some variation across seasons, the drop in output during autumn and winter isn't drastic enough to negate the benefits of installing solar panels at this location. The best times for energy generation would be during spring and summer when sunlight hours are maximized.
If you're installing fixed panel installations here, it's recommended that they should be tilted at an angle of about 21 degrees facing southwards for maximum yearly production from your solar power system.
However, like with any location there may be local factors such as weather or environmental conditions which could potentially affect your solar production rates here:
1) Dust storms: Being a desert region dust storms could cover your panels reducing their efficiency.
Preventive measure: Regular cleaning/maintenance schedules should help mitigate this issue.
2) High temperatures: Solar panels actually become less efficient as temperatures rise beyond certain limits.
Preventive measure: Ensure sufficient airflow around the panels during installation or consider cooling systems if necessary.
3) Seasonal rains: Although not frequent but heavy rainfalls might reduce sun exposure temporarily.
Preventive measure: Nothing much can be done about rainfall but since it’s not a regular phenomenon it shouldn’t significantly impact overall annual production.
Overall, Nizwa, Ad Dakhiliyah, Oman appears to be a good location for solar energy generation with just minor considerations and preventive measures to ensure maximum efficiency.
Note: The Tropics are located between 23.5° North and -23.5° South of the equator.
So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 9 locations across Oman. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Oman by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Nizwa
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 22.9358, Longitude: 57.5417 (Nizwa, Oman), 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 21° South in Nizwa, Oman
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Nizwa, Oman (Lat/Long 22.9358, 57.5417) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 21° 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 Nizwa, Oman
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 Nizwa, Oman. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 21° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7° South in Summer | 29° South in Autumn | 38° South in Winter | 16° 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 Nizwa, Oman
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 Nizwa, Oman.
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 Nizwa, Oman
Nizwa, Oman is located in the interior of the country, at the foothills of Al Hajar Mountains. The region's topography is characterized by a mixture of flat plains, rugged mountainous terrain and desert landscapes. There are also numerous wadis (dry riverbeds) in this area.
In terms of areas suitable for large-scale solar PV installations, there are several factors to consider such as sunlight exposure, land availability and proximity to power grid connections. Given Nizwa's location in a sun-rich region with high solar irradiance levels throughout the year, it has great potential for solar energy generation.
Flat desert areas would likely be most suitable for large-scale solar PV installations since they provide ample space and receive abundant sunlight. These regions include parts around Nizwa which are not covered by mountains or used for agriculture or habitation.
However, before any concrete decisions can be made about specific locations for such projects, detailed assessments including environmental impact studies would need to be conducted on-site to ensure that these projects do not harm local ecosystems or disrupt local communities.
Oman solar PV Stats as a country
Oman ranks 81st in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 138 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Oman is generating 27 Watts from solar PV per capita (Oman ranks 59th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Oman?
Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Oman. The government of Oman has implemented a number of policies and initiatives to promote the use of renewable energy sources such as solar power. These include tax exemptions, subsidies, and grants for businesses that install solar systems. Additionally, the government has set up a Renewable Energy Fund which provides financial support for projects related to renewable energy development.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Oman? 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: Tuesday 26th of March 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.
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.
