Solar PV Analysis of Gilgit, Pakistan
Gilgit, Pakistan could be a good location for generating energy through solar panels year-round. The amount of electricity that can be produced from solar panels varies throughout the year due to changes in the length and intensity of sunlight each day. In simple terms, more sunlight means more electricity.
During summer, you can expect to generate around 7.57 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for every kilowatt (kW) of solar panel installed. This is when you would get the most out of your solar panels because days are longer and sunnier.
In autumn and spring, each kW of installed solar would produce about 5.02 kWh/day and 5.93 kWh/day respectively which is less than summer but still a decent output.
Winter has the lowest productivity with about 3.57 kWh/day per kW due to shorter days and less intense sunlight.
To maximize total yearly production from these solar panels at this location in Gilgit, it's best to tilt them at an angle facing towards south at approximately 32 degrees as this will allow them to catch as much sunlight as possible over the course of a year.
However, there might be some local factors that could affect how much energy these panels can produce such as weather conditions like heavy snowfall or dust storms which may cover up the panels reducing their efficiency or damage them completely if not properly protected against such events.
Preventative measures could include installing protective covers or automated cleaning systems on your solar panel setup so they stay clear from debris or snow build-up ensuring greater energy production throughout all seasons. Regular maintenance checks should also help keep things running smoothly by identifying any potential issues early before they become serious problems affecting overall performance.
Note: The Northern Temperate Zone extends from 35° latitude North up to 66.5° 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 Gilgit
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 36.0087, Longitude: 74.1241 (Gilgit, 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 32° South in Gilgit, Pakistan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Gilgit, Pakistan (Lat/Long 36.0087, 74.1241) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 32° 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 Gilgit, 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 Gilgit, Pakistan. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 32° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20° South in Summer | 40° South in Autumn | 51° South in Winter | 28° 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 Gilgit, 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 Gilgit, Pakistan.
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 Gilgit, Pakistan
Gilgit is located in the northern part of Pakistan, surrounded by the Karakoram and Himalayan mountain ranges. The topography around Gilgit is largely mountainous with rugged terrains, high peaks, deep valleys, and numerous rivers. Despite its high-altitude location, Gilgit has a relatively mild climate with plenty of sunshine throughout the year.
The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations would be flat or gently sloping lands that receive ample sunlight. Given the rugged terrain around Gilgit, such lands may be limited. However, some potential locations could include:
1) Plateaus or flatter regions at lower altitudes.
2) South-facing slopes which would get maximum sun exposure.
3) Areas near existing infrastructure (roads and power lines), to minimize installation costs.
Additionally, due to technological advancements in solar panels design and mounting systems it's possible to install them on steeper slopes as well as rooftops in urban areas of Gilgit city itself.
However an extensive feasibility study including factors like land ownership rights , environmental impact assessment etc should be conducted before deciding on specific sites for large scale solar PV installations.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 3rd of July 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.
