Solar PV Analysis of Abha, Saudi Arabia
Abha, 'Asir Region, Saudi Arabia, located in the Tropics, is a great spot for solar energy generation throughout the year due to its consistent sunlight. The amount of electricity that can be produced from each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar power varies slightly by season. During summer and spring, you can expect around 7.10 and 7.54 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day respectively; these are the best times for generating solar energy because of longer daylight hours and more intense sunlight.
In autumn, it drops a bit to 6.67 kWh/day but still provides substantial output. Winter sees the least production with an average of 5.88 kWh/day due to shorter days and less intense sunlight but even then this is still quite good compared to many other parts of the world.
For optimal results at this location, fixed panel installations should be tilted at an angle of 17 degrees towards south which will maximize total year-round production from your solar photovoltaic (PV) system as it allows maximum exposure to sun rays throughout different times in a day.
While Abha's tropical climate makes it generally ideal for solar power generation there could be some local factors that may affect this such as dust storms or heavy rainfall during certain seasons which might cover panels reducing their efficiency temporarily until cleaned off again.
Preventative measures against these would include regular maintenance checks on your panels ensuring they're clean and free from any debris or dirt buildup that could block sunlight reaching them effectively reducing their performance; installing protective casing where necessary against extreme weather conditions like hailstorms; having backup systems ready in case any damage does occur so you're not left without power while repairs are being done.
Additionally investing in high-quality panels with robust build quality can also help withstand harsh weather conditions better over time ensuring greater energy production overall despite minor disruptions here and there caused by environmental factors.
Note: The Tropics are located between 23.5° North and -23.5° South of the equator.
So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 26 locations across Saudi Arabia. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Saudi Arabia by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Abha
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 18.2181, Longitude: 42.5055 (Abha, Saudi Arabia), 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 17° South in Abha, Saudi Arabia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Abha, Saudi Arabia (Lat/Long 18.2181, 42.5055) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 17° 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 Abha, Saudi Arabia
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 Abha, Saudi Arabia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 17° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2° South in Summer | 24° South in Autumn | 34° South in Winter | 12° 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 Abha, Saudi Arabia
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 Abha, Saudi Arabia.
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 Abha, Saudi Arabia
Abha, Saudi Arabia is located in the mountainous region of Asir Province. It sits at an elevation of around 2,200 meters (7,218 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by hills and mountains. The area features a relatively mild climate compared to other parts of Saudi Arabia with temperatures rarely exceeding 35 degrees Celsius even in summer.
Despite being a mountainous region, there are areas suitable for large-scale solar PV installations nearby Abha. Flat terrains or gentle slopes that receive high levels of sunlight would be ideal for such projects. Considering the high altitude and clear skies in this region, it has good potential for solar energy generation.
In terms of specific locations, vast desert regions towards the east and north-east from Abha could potentially be appropriate given their flat topography and abundant sunshine throughout the year. However, feasibility studies including aspects such as accessibility to grid connection points would need to be conducted before deciding on exact locations.
It should also be noted that while Saudi Arabia generally receives plenty of sunlight making it great for solar energy generation overall; dust storms can pose challenges to maintaining efficiency of solar panels due to accumulation of dust particles on them over time.
Saudi Arabia solar PV Stats as a country
Saudi Arabia ranks 54th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 439 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Saudi Arabia is generating 13 Watts from solar PV per capita (Saudi Arabia ranks 70th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Saudi Arabia. The government has implemented a number of policies and programs to encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar power. These include feed-in tariffs, net metering, and subsidies for installation costs. Additionally, the government has set up a Renewable Energy Project Development Office (REPDO) which provides technical assistance and financial support to companies interested in developing renewable energy projects.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Saudi Arabia? 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 13th 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.
