Solar PV Analysis of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (latitude: 24.7135517, longitude: 46.6752957), the average solar energy production per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity varies by season: 8.30 kWh in Summer, 6.42 kWh in Autumn, 4.92 kWh in Winter, and 7.67 kWh in Spring. The higher energy output during the summer months can be attributed to increased temperatures and longer daylight hours, which allow for greater sunlight absorption by the solar panels.
Although sandstorms and high winds may occasionally reduce sunlight availability for solar panels in Riyadh, these weather events are typically short-lived and do not significantly impact overall energy production levels.
To optimize solar power generation throughout the year at this location, it is recommended that fixed-panel installations be tilted at an angle of 22 degrees South. This positioning ensures maximum exposure to sunlight and optimal energy absorption from available sunlight.
Riyadh's climate and geographical location make it a suitable place for generating solar power year-round; however, regular maintenance should be performed on the panels to remove dust or sand accumulation that could potentially impede their efficiency over time. By taking these preventative measures into account during installation and ongoing maintenance processes, one can ensure greater energy production from their solar system despite any local environmental factors that may arise occasionally.
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 23 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 Riyadh
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 24.7135517, Longitude: 46.6752957 (Riyadh, 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 22° South in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Lat/Long 24.7135517, 46.6752957) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 22° 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 Riyadh, 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 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 22° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9° South in Summer | 30° South in Autumn | 40° South in Winter | 18° 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 Riyadh, 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 Riyadh, 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 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The topography around Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is mostly flat and consists of desert plains. The terrain is generally low-lying with no major hills or mountains in the region. Areas to the south and east of Riyadh are particularly well suited for large-scale solar PV installations due to their open spaces and clear skies. Additionally, areas that have been cleared for urban development can also be used as sites for solar energy projects.
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: Friday 17th of March 2023
Last Updated: Wednesday 26th of June 2024
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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.
