Yanbu, Medina Region, Saudi Arabia, located at 24.0949°N, 38.0629°E, offers an excellent location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This coastal city in the Northern Sub Tropics experiences abundant sunshine, making it highly suitable for solar power production.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output in Yanbu varies across seasons, with summer being the most productive period. During summer months, solar panels can generate an impressive 8.02 kWh per day for each kW of installed capacity. Spring follows closely, with 7.75 kWh/day, while autumn sees a slight decrease to 6.12 kWh/day. Winter, although less productive, still maintains a respectable output of 5.02 kWh/day.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed panel installations in Yanbu, Medina Region, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 21 degrees facing South. This angle ensures optimal exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the city's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Peak Generation Periods

The most ideal times for solar energy generation in Yanbu 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.

Environmental Considerations

While Yanbu's climate is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some environmental factors to consider:

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

Preventative Measures

To mitigate these challenges and ensure optimal energy production, several preventative measures can be implemented:

1. Regular cleaning: Implement a routine cleaning schedule to remove dust and sand from panel surfaces.
2. Cooling systems: Consider installing cooling mechanisms or choosing heat-resistant panels to maintain efficiency during hot periods.
3. Robust mounting: Use sturdy mounting systems to protect panels from occasional strong winds.
4. Anti-reflective coatings: Apply special coatings to panels to reduce dust adhesion and improve performance in high-temperature conditions.

By addressing these factors, solar installations in Yanbu can maximize their energy production potential, taking full advantage of the region's abundant solar resources.

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 Yanbu

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 24.0949, Longitude: 38.0629 (Yanbu, 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 21° South in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia (Lat/Long 24.0949, 38.0629) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 21° 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 Yanbu, 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 Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 21° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
8° South in Summer	29° South in Autumn	39° South in Winter	17° 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 Yanbu, 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 Yanbu, 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 Yanbu, Saudi Arabia

The topography around Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, is characterized by a diverse landscape that transitions from coastal plains to rugged inland terrain. Situated on the western coast of the country along the Red Sea, Yanbu features a relatively flat coastal strip that extends for several kilometers inland. This coastal area is predominantly sandy, with scattered patches of low-lying vegetation adapted to the arid climate. As one moves eastward from the coast, the terrain gradually becomes more varied. The landscape begins to undulate, with low hills and rocky outcrops becoming more prevalent. These features are interspersed with wadis, which are dry riverbeds that occasionally fill with water during rare rainfall events. The soil in this region is typically sandy or gravelly, with limited fertility due to the harsh desert conditions. Further inland, the topography becomes increasingly rugged, with more pronounced hills and small mountain ranges. These elevated areas are part of the Hijaz Mountains, which run parallel to the Red Sea coast. The mountains in this region are generally not very high, with most peaks reaching elevations of 1,000 to 2,000 meters above sea level. The terrain in these mountainous areas is characterized by steep slopes, rocky surfaces, and sparse vegetation.

Areas Suitable for Large-scale Solar PV

When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Yanbu, several factors come into play. The most suitable areas would typically be those that offer a combination of favorable topography, ample sunlight exposure, and proximity to existing infrastructure. The coastal plains and gently sloping areas just inland from Yanbu present ideal conditions for solar PV projects. These regions offer vast, open spaces with minimal shading from natural features. The relatively flat terrain reduces the need for extensive land preparation, making it easier and more cost-effective to install large arrays of solar panels. Areas to the east and southeast of Yanbu, where the landscape transitions to a more undulating terrain, could also be suitable for solar PV installations. These locations might require some careful site selection to avoid areas with excessive slopes or uneven surfaces. However, they could potentially benefit from slightly higher elevations, which can sometimes offer marginally better solar exposure. It's important to note that while the more mountainous regions further inland receive ample sunlight, their rugged terrain makes them less ideal for large-scale solar projects. The cost and complexity of developing such sites would likely outweigh any potential benefits from their elevation. When selecting specific sites for solar PV installations, factors such as proximity to existing power infrastructure, road access, and environmental considerations would also need to be taken into account. The vast, open spaces in the vicinity of Yanbu, combined with the region's high solar irradiance levels, make it a promising area for harnessing solar energy on a large scale.

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.