Solar PV Analysis of Mingora, Pakistan
Mingora, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, situated at latitude 34.7737 and longitude 72.3554 in the Northern Sub Tropics, presents a moderately favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The city experiences varying levels of solar productivity across different seasons, offering both opportunities and challenges for solar energy implementation.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Mingora fluctuates significantly with the changing seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 7.66 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 6.65 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in production, yielding 5.27 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.86 kWh/day.
This seasonal variation suggests that solar energy systems in Mingora would be most effective from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight contribute to higher energy yields. However, the substantial drop in winter production indicates that alternative or supplementary energy sources may be necessary during the colder months to maintain consistent power supply.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed solar panel installations in Mingora, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 31 degrees facing South. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the city's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental Considerations
While Mingora's location is generally suitable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors that could potentially impact solar panel efficiency:
- Dust and air pollution: Mingora, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, like many urban areas in Pakistan, can experience high levels of air pollution and dust. These particles can accumulate on solar panels, reducing their efficiency.
- Seasonal weather patterns: The region experiences monsoon rains, which could lead to extended periods of cloud cover, particularly in summer and early autumn.
To mitigate these challenges, regular cleaning and maintenance of solar panels is crucial. Installing panels at a steeper angle can help with natural cleaning during rainfall. Additionally, using high-quality, dust-resistant panels and implementing a robust cleaning schedule can help maintain optimal energy production.
In conclusion, while Mingora's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, particularly in winter, it still offers significant potential for solar PV implementation. With proper planning, installation, and maintenance, solar energy can be a viable and sustainable power source for this Pakistani city.
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 130 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 Mingora
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 34.7737, Longitude: 72.3554 (Mingora, 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 31° South in Mingora, Pakistan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Mingora, Pakistan (Lat/Long 34.7737, 72.3554) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 31° 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 Mingora, 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 Mingora, Pakistan. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 31° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18° South in Summer | 40° South in Autumn | 50° South in Winter | 27° 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 Mingora, 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 Mingora, 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 Mingora, Pakistan
The topography around Mingora, Pakistan is characterized by a mix of mountainous terrain and river valleys. Mingora itself is situated in the Swat Valley, which is surrounded by the Hindu Kush mountain range. The city lies along the banks of the Swat River, which flows through the valley, creating a relatively flat area within the otherwise rugged landscape.
The mountains surrounding Mingora rise steeply from the valley floor, with many peaks reaching heights of several thousand meters. These mountains are part of the larger Hindu Kush system, which extends from central Afghanistan into northern Pakistan. The terrain is generally rocky and steep, with forested areas on the lower slopes and snow-capped peaks at higher elevations.
The Swat Valley, where Mingora is located, is known for its lush greenery and fertile soil. The valley floor is relatively flat compared to the surrounding mountains, making it suitable for agriculture and human settlement. The river has carved out a wide path through the mountains, creating a natural corridor that has been used for trade and transportation for centuries.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas near Mingora would likely be found in the broader, flatter portions of the Swat Valley. These areas would offer more space for solar panel arrays and easier access for construction and maintenance. The valley floor receives ample sunlight throughout the year, making it potentially viable for solar energy production.
However, it's important to note that the availability of suitable land for solar installations may be limited due to the high population density and intensive agricultural use of the valley. The most promising locations might be found on the outskirts of urban areas or on less productive agricultural land.
Some specific areas that could be considered for solar PV projects include:
- The slightly elevated plateaus or terraces along the edges of the valley, which may offer good sun exposure while minimizing the use of prime agricultural land.
- Gently sloping hillsides that face south or southwest, maximizing exposure to sunlight throughout the day.
- Areas near existing power infrastructure to facilitate grid connection, such as locations close to substations or transmission lines.
It's worth noting that while the mountainous areas surrounding the valley receive abundant sunlight, their steep slopes and difficult terrain make them less practical for large-scale solar installations. The costs and challenges associated with construction and maintenance in such rugged landscapes would likely outweigh the benefits of the potentially higher solar radiation at elevated sites.
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: Monday 22nd of July 2024
Last Updated: Monday 22nd of July 2024
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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.
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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.
