Solar PV Analysis of Shikarpur, Pakistan
The location at Shikarpur, Sindh, Pakistan is fairly good for generating energy using solar PV (photovoltaic) systems throughout the year. The daily electricity output from each kilowatt of installed solar varies by season: it's highest in spring with 7.20 kWh/day, followed by summer with 6.89 kWh/day, then autumn with 5.48 kWh/day and lowest in winter at 4.61 kWh/day.
This means that the best times of year to generate solar energy at this location are spring and summer when sunlight is more abundant due to longer days and higher sun position in the sky.
To get the most out of a fixed panel installation throughout the year, panels should be tilted towards south at an angle of about 25 degrees. This takes advantage of how the sun moves across the sky during different seasons to maximize total yearly production from your solar system.
However, there could be certain local factors that might reduce solar production such as dust storms which are common in this region or heavy monsoon rains which can limit sunlight exposure on panels for extended periods.
One way to mitigate these issues would be regular cleaning of panels especially after dust storms to ensure they can absorb maximum sunlight without any blockages caused by dust accumulation on their surface.
Another preventative measure could involve installing a tracking system that allows your panels to follow sun’s path during monsoon season when clouds may obstruct direct sunlight exposure for long periods; this will help your system capture as much diffuse light as possible thereby increasing overall productivity even under less than ideal conditions.
In conclusion, while Shikarpur has potential for effective use of solar energy generation throughout most part of year; careful planning around local weather patterns and taking appropriate preventive measures can help ensure greater energy production from your installed 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 Shikarpur
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 27.9629, Longitude: 68.6353 (Shikarpur, 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 25° South in Shikarpur, Pakistan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Shikarpur, Pakistan (Lat/Long 27.9629, 68.6353) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 25° 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 Shikarpur, 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 Shikarpur, Pakistan. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 25° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12° South in Summer | 33° South in Autumn | 43° South in Winter | 21° 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 Shikarpur, 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 Shikarpur, 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 Shikarpur, Pakistan
Shikarpur, Pakistan is located in the Sindh province and is characterized by a flat landscape. The region lies on an expansive plain that has few hills or elevated areas. It experiences a hot desert climate with very little rainfall throughout the year.
Given its flat topography and high solar irradiation levels, large-scale ground-mounted solar PV systems could be ideally suited for this area. Large open fields or unused agricultural lands could potentially be converted into solar farms.
In terms of specific nearby areas, it would depend on land availability and ownership status. However, generally speaking, regions to the north and west of Shikarpur appear to have larger expanses of open land that might be suitable for large-scale solar installations.
It's important to note that while the physical geography may seem ideal for such projects, other factors like local infrastructure (accessibility to roads, proximity to power grid), socio-economic conditions (land price/lease cost), local regulations related to renewable energy projects etc., also play significant roles in determining feasibility of such projects.
Finally detailed site-specific studies including environmental impact assessments would need to be conducted before any definitive conclusions can be drawn about suitability for large scale PV installation.
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: Thursday 20th of June 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.
