Solar PV Analysis of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Located at the latitude of 21.4849 and longitude of 39.192, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia exhibits a highly favorable climate for solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation. The city experiences consistent sunlight throughout the year due to its tropical location, which is devoid of extreme weather conditions that could hinder solar power production.
The average energy yield per day for each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar capacity varies by season in Jeddah. During the summer months, one can expect an average energy yield of 7.69 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day per kW installed, while spring sees a slight increase to an average daily yield of 7.78 kWh/kW installed.
The autumn and winter seasons record slightly lower figures with averages at 6.24 kWh/day/kW and 5.23 kWh/day/kW respectively for each kW installed solar capacity.
At this location, it is recommended to tilt fixed panel installations at an angle of 19 degrees facing south for optimal exposure to sunlight throughout the year.
Despite its suitability for generating solar power year-round, local factors such as dust storms common in desert regions could impede solar production through accumulation on panels thereby reducing their efficiency over time.
To mitigate this issue, it would be beneficial to install automated cleaning systems or schedule regular manual cleanings to ensure maximum light absorption by keeping the surface clear from dust or other debris that may accumulate over time.
In conclusion, Jeddah's geographical position combined with its predominantly clear weather conditions make it a prime location for harnessing substantial amounts from PV systems all year round provided adequate measures are taken against potential environmental hindrances such as dust accumulation on panels.
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 22 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 Jeddah
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 21.4849, Longitude: 39.192 (Jeddah, 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 19° South in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Lat/Long 21.4849, 39.192) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 19° 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 Jeddah, 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 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 19° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5° South in Summer | 27° South in Autumn | 37° South in Winter | 15° 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 Jeddah, 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 Jeddah, 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 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
The topography of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia is generally flat with some rolling hills to the north. The areas around Jeddah are mostly desert, making them well-suited for large-scale solar PV installations. Areas to the north and east of Jeddah have less shade from trees and other structures, making them better suited for solar energy production. Additionally, areas in the south and west of Jeddah tend to be more exposed to sunlight due to their proximity to the Red Sea. These areas would also be suitable for large-scale solar PV systems.
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 31st of July 2023
Last Updated: Wednesday 26th of June 2024
Tell Us About Your Work
We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.
Feeling generous?
Share this with your friends!
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.
