Solar PV Analysis of Jhelum, Pakistan
The location at Jhelum, Punjab, Pakistan is generally suitable for generating energy through solar photovoltaic (PV) systems year-round. The amount of electricity you can expect to generate from each kilowatt of installed solar varies with the seasons. In summer and spring, when sunlight is more abundant, the output is highest with 6.85kWh/day and 6.66kWh/day respectively per kW of installed solar. During autumn and winter, the output drops a bit to 5.10kWh/day and 3.78kWh/day respectively due to shorter days and less intense sunlight.
So if you're planning on installing a solar system in this area, it's best to do so before spring or summer when you'll be able to get the most out of your investment right away.
As for installation specifics at this location, tilting your panels at an angle of 29 degrees towards south will help maximize total year-round production from your PV system because it aligns them better with the sun’s path across the sky.
However, there are some potential challenges that could affect your PV system’s performance in Jhelum like dust storms which are common in this region; these can cover panels reducing their efficiency significantly by blocking sunlight. To counteract this issue regular cleaning of panels may be necessary especially after such weather events.
Additionally local air pollution caused by burning fossil fuels might also reduce daylight quality thereby affecting panel efficiency negatively; while one cannot control local pollution levels directly as an individual homeowner installing a PV system - collectively as more people install such systems there would be less reliance on fossil fuels thus over time potentially improving air quality locally.
In terms of other environmental factors: Jhelum does experience monsoons which could lead to increased cloud cover reducing panel efficiency temporarily but overall considering its located in Northern Sub Tropics where sunshine is plentiful most times of the year - these periods should not impact significantly on annual energy production levels.
In summary, while there are some challenges to solar power generation in Jhelum, Punjab, they can be mitigated with proper planning and maintenance. The high levels of sunlight for most of the year make it a good location for solar PV systems.
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 Jhelum
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 32.9374, Longitude: 73.731 (Jhelum, 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 Jhelum, Pakistan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Jhelum, Pakistan (Lat/Long 32.9374, 73.731) 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 Jhelum, 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 Jhelum, 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 Jhelum, 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 Jhelum, 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 Jhelum, Pakistan
Jhelum, Pakistan is located in the Punjab province and is characterized by a mix of plain land and hilly terrain. The city itself lies on relatively flat ground along the banks of Jhelum River. Towards the east of Jhelum, there are Pothohar Plateau and Salt Range which are hilly areas with an average elevation between 300 to 500 meters.
The climate in Jhelum is semi-arid with hot summers and cool winters. It receives a good amount of sunlight throughout the year making it suitable for solar PV installations.
For large scale solar PV installations, flat terrains would be most suitable as they provide easy installation and maintenance. Areas around the city that are not used for agriculture or residential purposes could potentially be utilized for this purpose. Also, barren lands or deserts towards south-western parts of Punjab province may also serve as good locations considering their high solar irradiance levels.
However, site-specific feasibility studies including aspects like land availability & cost, grid connectivity possibilities, local weather conditions etc., need to be conducted before deciding on exact locations for large scale solar PV projects.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Friday 31st of May 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.
