Kharian, Punjab, Pakistan, located at 32.8247° N, 73.8782° E in the Northern Sub Tropics, offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The seasonal variation in electricity output provides insights into the potential of solar power in this region.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy production in Kharian shows significant fluctuations across seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 6.87 kWh/day per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 6.65 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease to 5.04 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.71 kWh/day.

The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the impact of seasonal variations on solar energy potential in this area. However, even during the least productive winter months, the output remains notable, indicating that solar PV systems can contribute to energy needs year-round.

Optimal Panel Placement

For fixed panel installations in Kharian, Punjab, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 29 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental Considerations

While Kharian's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

• Dust and air pollution: The region can experience dust storms and air pollution, which may accumulate on solar panels, reducing their efficiency.
• Monsoon season: Heavy rains during the monsoon period could temporarily decrease solar output and potentially damage improperly installed systems.

To mitigate these issues, regular cleaning and maintenance of solar panels is crucial. Installing panels at the optimal angle not only maximizes production but also helps with natural cleaning during rainfall. Additionally, using high-quality, weather-resistant equipment and ensuring proper sealing and mounting can protect against potential water damage during heavy rains.

In conclusion, Kharian's location offers substantial potential for solar energy generation, with particularly high output during summer and spring months. While there are some environmental challenges, these can be effectively managed with proper installation and maintenance practices, making solar PV a viable and sustainable energy option for this area.

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 Kharian

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 32.8247, Longitude: 73.8782 (Kharian, 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 Kharian, Pakistan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kharian, Pakistan (Lat/Long 32.8247, 73.8782) 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 Kharian, 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 Kharian, 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	25° 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 Kharian, 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 Kharian, 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 Kharian, Pakistan

The topography around Kharian, Pakistan, is characterized by a diverse landscape that transitions from flat plains to gently rolling hills. Located in the Punjab region, Kharian sits on the northern edge of the fertile Chenab River valley. The immediate surroundings of the city are predominantly flat, with rich agricultural land stretching out in all directions. This flat terrain gradually gives way to more undulating countryside as one moves northward towards the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range. To the south and east of Kharian, the land remains largely level, forming part of the vast Indo-Gangetic Plain. This area is crisscrossed by numerous irrigation canals and small streams that feed into the larger river systems. The soil in this region is generally fertile, supporting extensive agriculture. As one travels north and northwest from Kharian, the landscape begins to change. The flat plains start to give way to low hills and elevated plateaus. These areas mark the beginning of the Pothohar Plateau, a transitional zone between the plains and the more rugged mountain terrain further north. The elevation gradually increases, and the terrain becomes more varied with a mix of small hills, shallow valleys, and occasional rocky outcrops.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby Kharian for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would likely be found in the flat, open areas to the south and east of the city. These regions offer several advantages for solar PV development: Firstly, the flat terrain provides ample space for the installation of large solar arrays without the need for extensive land preparation or grading. This reduces construction costs and simplifies the installation process. Secondly, these areas receive abundant sunlight throughout the year, with relatively few natural obstructions to cast shadows on the panels. The clear skies and low latitude of the region contribute to high solar irradiance levels, which is crucial for optimal energy production. Additionally, the proximity to existing infrastructure, including roads and the electrical grid, makes these areas more attractive for solar development. This allows for easier transportation of equipment during construction and more efficient transmission of the generated electricity to the grid. However, it's important to note that site-specific assessments would be necessary to determine the most suitable locations. Factors such as local weather patterns, soil conditions, and proximity to sensitive ecosystems or cultural sites would need to be carefully evaluated before any large-scale solar PV project could proceed.

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

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.