Solar PV Analysis of Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia
The location at Al Kharj, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia is quite good for generating energy via solar panels throughout the year. The amount of electricity you can expect to generate from each kilowatt (kW) of solar panels installed varies by season, with the most power generated in summer and spring and less power in autumn and winter.
In more detail, during summer, you can expect to generate about 8.32 units of electricity (kilowatt-hours or kWh) per day for each kW of solar panels installed. In autumn this drops slightly to around 6.40 kWh/day per kW; winter sees a further drop to approximately 4.99 kWh/day per kW; but then production increases again in spring with an output of about 7.73 kWh/day per kW.
To get the best results from your solar installation at this location throughout the year, it's recommended that your solar panels are fixed at a tilt angle facing southwards by 21 degrees which will maximise their exposure to sunlight over all seasons.
However, there might be local factors that could affect how much energy you can produce with your solar panels here – such as dust storms which are not uncommon in Saudi Arabia. These storms could cover your solar panels with dust or sand reducing their efficiency by blocking sunlight reaching them.
To help ensure greater energy production despite these environmental challenges, consider taking preventative measures like installing automated cleaning systems that can keep the surface of your PV modules clean without manual intervention or using coatings on panel surfaces that repel dust particles thereby reducing build-up.
Remember though: while these steps may help increase overall production they also add additional costs so it’s important to weigh up whether they're worth it based on how often such weather conditions occur and what impact they actually have on performance before deciding whether or not to implement them.
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 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 Al Kharj
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 24.1608, Longitude: 47.3352 (Al Kharj, 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 21° South in Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia (Lat/Long 24.1608, 47.3352) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 21° 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 Al Kharj, 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 Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 21° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8° South in Summer | 29° South in Autumn | 39° South in Winter | 17° 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 Al Kharj, 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 Al Kharj, 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 Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia
Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia is located in the central region of the country and is characterized by a desert landscape. The topography mainly consists of flat or gently undulating sandy plains with some rocky outcrops. The area receives abundant sunlight throughout the year, making it suitable for large-scale solar PV installations.
The areas most suited to large-scale solar PV would be those with minimal obstructions such as hills or mountains that could block sunlight. Given Al Kharj's flat terrain, there are likely many suitable locations nearby. However, other factors must also be considered for a successful solar project including land availability and use, proximity to power transmission lines, environmental impact considerations and local regulations.
In general though, given its sunny climate and vast tracts of unused desert land, much of Saudi Arabia including areas around Al Kharj are well-suited for large-scale solar projects. This potential has been recognized by the Saudi government which has announced plans to significantly increase renewable energy production as part of its Vision 2030 program.
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!
Citation Guide
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.
