Solar PV Analysis of Doha, Qatar
Doha, Baladiyat ad Dawhah, Qatar, located at latitude 25.2925 and longitude 51.5321, is an excellent location for solar power generation due to its consistently high levels of solar irradiance throughout the year. The average daily energy production per kilowatt (kWh) of installed solar capacity varies by season: 7.36 kWh in Summer, 5.61 kWh in Autumn, 4.28 kWh in Winter, and 6.88 kWh in Spring.
The higher energy production during the summer months can be attributed to increased temperatures and longer daylight hours compared to other seasons with shorter days and cooler temperatures. Doha's position within the Northern Subtropics ensures that it does not experience extreme weather conditions such as heavy snowfall or strong winds that could negatively impact solar power generation.
For optimal energy production from a fixed panel installation at this location, panels should be tilted at an angle of 22 degrees facing southward. This orientation maximizes exposure to sunlight throughout the year without requiring a tracking system.
While there are no significant environmental or topographical factors impeding solar production in Doha, Baladiyat ad Dawhah, occasional dust storms may reduce sunlight penetration and affect panel efficiency temporarily. To mitigate this issue, regular cleaning and maintenance of the panels can help ensure maximum energy output.
In summary, Doha's favorable climate conditions make it highly suitable for generating solar power year-round with minimal challenges related to weather or local factors when proper installation measures are taken into account.
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 2 locations across Qatar. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Qatar by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Doha
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 25.2925, Longitude: 51.5321 (Doha, Qatar), 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 22° South in Doha, Qatar
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Doha, Qatar (Lat/Long 25.2925, 51.5321) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 22° 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 Doha, Qatar
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 Doha, Qatar. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 22° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9° South in Summer | 30° South in Autumn | 40° South in Winter | 18° 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 Doha, Qatar
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 Doha, Qatar.
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 Doha, Qatar
The topography around Doha, Qatar is generally flat with some rolling hills to the south and east. The nearby areas that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV are the open, sunny desert plains and coastal areas. These areas typically have good access to sunlight throughout the year, making them ideal for solar energy production. Additionally, these areas tend to be relatively sparsely populated, meaning there is plenty of space available for large-scale installations.
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 22nd of October 2022
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.
