Duba, Tabuk Region, Saudi Arabia, located at 27.3445°N, 35.6852°E in the Northern Sub Tropics, offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The seasonal electricity output per kW of installed solar varies significantly, with summer being the most productive period and winter the least.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the peak season for solar energy production in Duba, Tabuk Region, with an impressive 8.76 kWh/day output per kW installed. Spring follows closely behind at 8.08 kWh/day, making these two seasons ideal for maximizing solar energy generation. Autumn sees a moderate decrease in output to 6.03 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at 4.75 kWh/day.

Despite the winter dip, Duba's year-round solar potential remains favorable compared to many other locations globally. The consistent sunshine and clear skies characteristic of this region contribute to its overall suitability for solar PV installations.

Optimal Panel Positioning

For fixed panel installations in Duba, Tabuk Region, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 24 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the Earth's elliptical orbit and Duba's specific latitude.

Environmental Considerations

While Duba's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

• Dust and sand: The desert environment can lead to dust accumulation on panels, potentially reducing efficiency.
• High temperatures: Extreme heat during summer months may slightly decrease panel efficiency.

To mitigate these issues, regular panel cleaning and maintenance should be implemented. Additionally, using heat-resistant solar panels and ensuring proper ventilation in the installation design can help maintain efficiency in high temperatures.

Overall, Duba's location proves highly favorable for solar PV energy generation, with minimal significant impediments to production. The combination of abundant sunshine, clear skies, and relatively mild winters makes it an excellent choice for solar energy investments.

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 Duba

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 27.3445, Longitude: 35.6852 (Duba, 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 24° South in Duba, Saudi Arabia

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Duba, Saudi Arabia (Lat/Long 27.3445, 35.6852) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 24° 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 Duba, 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 Duba, Saudi Arabia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 24° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
11° South in Summer	32° South in Autumn	42° South in Winter	20° 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 Duba, 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 Duba, 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 Duba, Saudi Arabia

Duba, a coastal city in northwestern Saudi Arabia, is situated in a region characterized by diverse and striking topography. The landscape surrounding Duba is a blend of coastal plains, rugged mountains, and expansive desert areas. Along the coast, where Duba itself is located, the terrain is relatively flat, consisting of sandy beaches and low-lying coastal plains. These areas gradually rise as one moves inland, transitioning into gently rolling hills and plateaus. This coastal region is part of the Tihama plain, which stretches along the Red Sea coast. As you move further inland from Duba, the landscape becomes more dramatic. The coastal plains give way to the Sarawat Mountains, also known as the Hijaz Mountains. These mountains form a rugged backbone running parallel to the Red Sea coast, with peaks reaching heights of over 2,000 meters in some areas. The mountain range creates a stark contrast to the flat coastal areas and adds to the region's topographical diversity. Beyond the mountains, to the east, lies the vast expanse of the Arabian Desert. This area is characterized by arid plains, rocky outcrops, and sand dunes. The transition from the coastal environment to the desert interior showcases the region's varied geological features.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Duba for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would be those that combine ample sunlight exposure, relatively flat terrain, and proximity to existing infrastructure. The inland desert areas to the east of Duba present some of the most promising locations for solar PV projects. These regions benefit from high solar irradiance levels, with clear skies for much of the year. The flat or gently undulating terrain of the desert makes it easier to install and maintain large arrays of solar panels. Additionally, the sparse vegetation and low population density in these areas minimize potential land-use conflicts. Areas of the coastal plain that are not immediately adjacent to the sea could also be suitable for solar PV installations. These locations offer relatively flat terrain and good sun exposure, while potentially being closer to existing power infrastructure and population centers. While the mountainous regions receive ample sunlight, their rugged terrain makes them less ideal for large-scale solar projects. The installation and maintenance of solar panels on steep or uneven surfaces would be more challenging and costly. It's worth noting that any large-scale solar PV project would need to consider factors beyond just topography, such as environmental impact, grid connectivity, and local regulations. However, from a purely topographical perspective, the desert areas east of Duba and select portions of the coastal plain offer the most promising conditions for such developments.

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.

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.