Solar Energy Potential in Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia

Dhahran, Eastern Province, located in the Northern Sub Tropics of Saudi Arabia, offers an excellent location for solar energy generation via photovoltaic (PV) panels. The city's geographical position at 26.2918°N, 50.1152°E provides abundant sunshine throughout the year, making it an ideal candidate for solar power production. The seasonal variation in solar energy output at this location is notable, with summer months being the most productive. During summer, each kilowatt of installed solar capacity can generate an impressive 7.35 kWh of electricity per day. Spring follows closely, with a daily output of 6.69 kWh per kW installed. Autumn sees a slight decrease to 5.45 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 4.15 kWh/day per kW of installed solar.

Optimal Panel Positioning

For fixed panel installations in Dhahran, Eastern Province, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 23 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.

Peak Production Periods

The most favorable times for solar energy generation in Dhahran are during the summer months, typically from June to August, when daylight hours are longest and solar radiation is most intense. Spring and early autumn also offer excellent conditions for solar power production. While winter months see a decrease in output, the region's generally clear skies and mild winters still allow for significant energy generation compared to many other global locations.

Environmental Considerations

Despite the overall favorable conditions, there are some environmental factors that could potentially impact solar production in Dhahran:

• Dust and sandstorms: The region's arid climate can lead to dust accumulation on solar panels, reducing their efficiency.
• High temperatures: Extreme heat during summer months can slightly decrease panel efficiency.

To mitigate these issues, regular cleaning and maintenance of solar panels is crucial. Installing panels with self-cleaning technologies or scheduling frequent cleaning sessions can help maintain optimal performance. Additionally, choosing high-quality, heat-resistant panels and ensuring proper ventilation during installation can help combat efficiency losses due to high temperatures. In conclusion, Dhahran's location provides exceptional conditions for solar energy production throughout the year, with only minor challenges that can be effectively managed through proper installation and maintenance practices.

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 Dhahran

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 26.2918, Longitude: 50.1152 (Dhahran, 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 Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia (Lat/Long 26.2918, 50.1152) 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 Dhahran, 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 Dhahran, 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	41° 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 Dhahran, 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 Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

Dhahran, located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, sits on a coastal plain near the Persian Gulf. The topography around Dhahran is characterized by a relatively flat landscape with gentle undulations. The area is part of a larger region known as the Ad-Dahna desert, which features sandy terrain and occasional low hills. To the west of Dhahran, the land gradually rises into a plateau known as the Saffaniya Saddle. This elevated area provides a subtle contrast to the predominantly flat surroundings. Despite the presence of this plateau, much of the terrain around Dhahran remains level, with vast expanses of desert stretching in all directions. The coastal proximity of Dhahran influences its topography, with some areas closer to the shoreline featuring salt flats and sabkhas (salt marshes). These low-lying areas are typically unsuitable for development but contribute to the region's unique landscape.

Suitable Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Dhahran, several factors come into play. The most suitable areas would be those that combine flat terrain, ample sunlight exposure, and minimal environmental impact. The expansive desert regions to the west and southwest of Dhahran present ideal conditions for solar PV projects. These areas offer vast, unobstructed spaces with consistent sunlight throughout the year. The flat terrain simplifies construction and maintenance of solar arrays, reducing overall project costs. Areas slightly inland from the coast, where the land begins to rise towards the Saffaniya Saddle, could also be well-suited for solar installations. These locations benefit from elevation, potentially reducing exposure to coastal humidity and salt spray, which can affect solar panel efficiency over time. It's important to note that while the entire region receives abundant sunlight, areas closer to the coast may experience occasional dust storms or increased humidity, which could impact solar panel performance. Therefore, sites further inland, away from immediate coastal influences, might be preferable for large-scale solar PV projects. When selecting specific locations, it's crucial to consider factors such as proximity to existing power infrastructure, accessibility for construction and maintenance, and potential environmental impacts. Areas that avoid sensitive ecosystems or important cultural sites would be ideal for sustainable solar energy development in the region surrounding Dhahran.

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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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.

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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.