Solar PV Analysis of Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Located in the Northern Sub Tropics, Dammam, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia (26.4336, 50.1116) is an excellent location for photovoltaic (PV) solar power generation due to its favorable climate and geographical positioning. During the summer season, each kilowatt of installed solar generates an average of 7.35 kWh per day. In spring, this figure slightly drops to an average of 6.69 kWh per day per kW.
However, as the seasons transition into autumn and winter with shorter daylight hours and increased cloud cover, there is a corresponding decrease in solar energy production. The average generation during these periods falls to 5.45 kWh/day per kW in autumn and further down to 4.15 kWh/day per kW in winter.
To maximize energy production year-round at this location, it's recommended that fixed panel installations are tilted at a precise angle of 23 degrees facing southwards.
While Dammam's geographical position makes it ideal for harnessing solar energy throughout most parts of the year; certain local factors could potentially impede optimal energy production from PV systems installed here.
One notable factor is sandstorms which are common in desert regions such as Saudi Arabia; these can reduce sunlight reaching the panels significantly thus affecting their efficiency adversely.
To mitigate against this risk during installation; one preventative measure that can be taken includes installing appropriate dust protection measures such as dust shields or regular cleaning schedules to ensure that panels remain clean and efficient.
Moreover; high temperatures common during summer months can also lower PV system efficiency due to overheating issues with some types of panels; therefore choosing heat-resistant panel models or installing cooling mechanisms could be beneficial strategies for maintaining high levels of power output all year round at this location.
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 Dammam
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 26.4336, Longitude: 50.1116 (Dammam, 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 23° South in Dammam, Saudi Arabia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Dammam, Saudi Arabia (Lat/Long 26.4336, 50.1116) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 23° 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 Dammam, 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 Dammam, Saudi Arabia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 23° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10° South in Summer | 31° South in Autumn | 42° South in Winter | 19° 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 Dammam, 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 Dammam, 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 Dammam, Saudi Arabia
The topography around Dammam, Saudi Arabia is mostly flat and low-lying. Areas that are most suitable for large-scale solar PV installations include open plains with little to no vegetation or obstacles, such as agricultural land or desert areas. The nearby Rub Al Khali desert would be particularly well suited for this purpose due to its vast expanse of flat terrain and abundance of sunlight.
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: Monday 11th of September 2023
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.
