Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, located at 28.4021°N, 36.569°E in the Northern Sub Tropics, presents a promising location for solar energy generation via photovoltaic (PV) systems. The region experiences substantial solar potential throughout the year, with varying levels of electricity output across different seasons.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy production in Tabuk follows a distinct seasonal pattern. Summer months yield the highest output at 8.79 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind with 8.16 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease to 6.08 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at 4.78 kWh/day. This seasonal variation indicates that Tabuk is particularly well-suited for solar energy generation during the warmer months, from spring through summer. However, even during the less productive winter season, the region still maintains a respectable level of solar output.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Tabuk, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 25 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.

Environmental Considerations

While Tabuk's climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider: 1. Dust and sand: The region's arid climate can lead to dust and sand accumulation on solar panels, potentially reducing their efficiency. 2. High temperatures: Extreme heat during summer months may slightly decrease panel efficiency. To mitigate these issues, regular cleaning and maintenance of solar panels is essential. Installing panels with self-cleaning capabilities or implementing automated cleaning systems can help maintain optimal performance. Additionally, choosing high-quality, heat-resistant panels and ensuring proper ventilation can minimize the impact of high temperatures on energy production. In conclusion, Tabuk's location offers excellent potential for solar PV energy generation, particularly during the spring and summer months. With proper installation techniques and maintenance practices, this region can harness substantial solar energy throughout the year, making it an ideal location for solar power projects.

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 Tabuk

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 28.4021, Longitude: 36.569 (Tabuk, 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 25° South in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia (Lat/Long 28.4021, 36.569) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 25° 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 Tabuk, 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 Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 25° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
12° South in Summer	33° South in Autumn	43° South in Winter	21° 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 Tabuk, 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 Tabuk, 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 Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

The topography surrounding Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, is characterized by a diverse landscape that combines desert plains, rocky outcrops, and mountainous terrain. Located in the northwestern part of the country, Tabuk sits at an elevation of approximately 770 meters above sea level. The city itself is situated on a relatively flat plain, but the surrounding area offers a more varied topographical profile. To the west of Tabuk, the terrain gradually rises towards the Hejaz Mountains, a rugged mountain range that runs parallel to the Red Sea coast. These mountains feature steep slopes, deep valleys, and rocky peaks, creating a stark contrast to the flatter areas around the city. The eastern side of Tabuk transitions into the vast expanse of the Arabian Desert, with its rolling sand dunes and gravel plains stretching for hundreds of kilometers.

Suitable Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

The regions surrounding Tabuk offer several promising locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The most suitable areas for such projects would be the flat, open desert plains to the east and northeast of the city. These areas benefit from several advantageous factors: Firstly, the desert plains receive abundant sunlight throughout the year, with minimal cloud cover and rainfall. This high solar irradiance is crucial for maximizing the efficiency and output of solar PV systems. Secondly, the flat terrain of these desert areas simplifies the installation process and reduces construction costs. It also minimizes shading issues between solar panels, allowing for optimal arrangement and spacing of the arrays. Additionally, the sparse vegetation and low population density in these desert regions mean that large tracts of land are available for development without significant environmental or social impacts. The proximity to Tabuk city also provides advantages in terms of infrastructure access and potential grid connections. While the mountainous areas to the west of Tabuk may offer some suitable locations for solar PV, particularly on south-facing slopes, the challenging terrain and potential for shading from nearby peaks make these areas generally less ideal for large-scale installations compared to the open desert plains. It's worth noting that while the desert environment is highly suitable for solar PV, developers would need to consider factors such as dust accumulation on panels and the need for robust cleaning systems to maintain optimal performance in this arid climate.

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.