Solar Energy Potential in Dina, Azad Jammu and Kashmir(POK), Pakistan

Dina, Azad Jammu and Kashmir(POK), Pakistan, located in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 33.0346, 73.6095, offers generally favorable conditions for solar PV energy generation, though with significant seasonal variations. The location experiences strong solar production potential throughout the year, with particularly impressive output during summer months. The seasonal energy production from solar panels in Dina shows a clear pattern. Summer stands out as the most productive season, generating 6.81kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind with 6.37kWh/day. Production decreases noticeably during autumn to 4.93kWh/day, while winter sees the lowest output at 3.68kWh/day per kilowatt installed.

Optimal Installation Angle

For maximizing year-round solar production in Dina, Azad Jammu and Kashmir(POK), fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 29 degrees facing South. This specific angle has been calculated to capture the maximum possible solar energy throughout the year, accounting for the Earth's elliptical orbit and Dina's geographical position in the Northern Sub Tropics.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production in Dina:

• Dust and air pollution: The region can experience dust storms and urban pollution that may accumulate on panels, reducing efficiency
• Seasonal monsoon rains: Heavy precipitation during monsoon season can temporarily reduce solar output
• Occasional haze: Atmospheric haze, particularly during certain seasons, may diffuse sunlight and slightly reduce panel efficiency

Preventative Measures

To maximize solar energy production despite these challenges, several preventative measures are recommended:

• Regular cleaning schedule: Implement a consistent panel cleaning routine, particularly before and after dust storms
• Quality inverters: Install inverters designed to perform efficiently even in high-temperature conditions
• Elevated mounting: Consider raising panels slightly higher than standard installations to reduce dust accumulation
• Anti-soiling coatings: Apply specialized coatings that help panels shed dust and dirt more effectively

With proper installation at the recommended 29-degree south-facing angle and appropriate maintenance measures, solar PV systems in Dina can capitalize on the region's strong solar resources, particularly during the highly productive summer and spring months, while minimizing potential losses during the less productive autumn and winter periods.

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 144 locations across Pakistan. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Pakistan by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Dina

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 33.0346, Longitude: 73.6095 (Dina, Pakistan), 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 Dina, Pakistan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Dina, Pakistan (Lat/Long 33.0346, 73.6095) 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 Dina, Pakistan

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 Dina, Pakistan. 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
16° 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 Dina, Pakistan

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 Dina, Pakistan.

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 Dina, Pakistan

The terrain around Dina, Pakistan presents a diverse topographic profile characterized by both flat plains and rolling hills. Located in the Jhelum District of Punjab province, Dina sits in a transitional zone between the fertile plains of Punjab to the south and the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range to the north.

Topographical Features

The immediate vicinity of Dina features gently undulating landscape with moderate elevation changes. As one moves northward from Dina, the terrain gradually becomes more pronounced with increasing elevation, eventually developing into the Pothohar Plateau region. This plateau is characterized by numerous ravines, small plateaus, and isolated hills that create a varied landscape. To the south and southeast of Dina, the land flattens considerably as it transitions into the alluvial plains of Punjab. These areas benefit from rich soil deposited by the Jhelum River, which flows approximately 10 kilometers east of Dina. The river valley creates a notable depression in the otherwise moderately elevated region. The western approaches to Dina feature a mix of flat areas interspersed with occasional hills and ridges. These natural formations create a patchwork of different elevations and slopes throughout the region.

Solar PV Potential Areas

For large-scale solar photovoltaic installations, several nearby areas offer promising conditions based on their topographical characteristics: The southern plains extending from Dina toward Sohawa present extensive flat terrain with minimal shading concerns. These areas provide ample space for large solar arrays without requiring significant land modification. The relatively unobstructed horizon in these southern plains minimizes early morning and late afternoon shading issues. Elevated plateaus to the northwest of Dina offer another viable option for solar development. These plateaus typically feature level surfaces at higher elevations, potentially reducing dust accumulation and providing clearer atmospheric conditions. The natural elevation can minimize shading from surrounding terrain features. The gently sloping areas southwest of Dina toward Domeli also merit consideration. These zones offer a compromise between completely flat terrain and slightly elevated positions, potentially optimizing exposure while maintaining ease of construction and maintenance access. Areas to avoid include the more deeply cut ravines and valleys to the north, where shading from surrounding hills would significantly reduce solar exposure. Similarly, locations immediately adjacent to the Jhelum River should be avoided due to potential flooding risks and higher humidity levels that might affect equipment longevity. The most optimal areas would be those combining flat or gently sloping terrain with proximity to existing infrastructure such as roads and transmission lines, which are relatively well-developed in the vicinity of Dina due to its location along the Grand Trunk Road corridor connecting Islamabad and Lahore.

Pakistan solar PV Stats as a country

Pakistan ranks 42nd in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 1,083 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Pakistan is generating 6 Watts from solar PV per capita (Pakistan ranks 78th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Pakistan?

Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Pakistan. The government of Pakistan 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 other financial incentives for businesses that install solar systems. Additionally, the government has also set up a Renewable Energy Development Fund (REDF) which provides grants and loans to support renewable energy projects.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Pakistan? 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.