Solar Energy Potential in Aleppo, Syria

Aleppo, Syria, located at latitude 36.2° and longitude 37.1615°, offers varying potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar output. Summer months provide the most favorable conditions for solar energy production, with an impressive average of 8.47 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. This high yield makes summer an ideal time for maximizing solar energy generation in Aleppo. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, generating an average of 6.76 kWh per day per kW installed. This substantial output indicates that spring is also an excellent time for solar energy harvesting in the region. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in solar energy production, with an average daily output of 4.92 kWh per kW installed. While less productive than summer and spring, autumn still offers moderate potential for solar energy generation. Winter presents the greatest challenge for solar energy production in Aleppo, with an average daily output of only 3.20 kWh per kW installed. This significant drop in productivity highlights the seasonal variability of solar energy potential in the region.

Optimizing Solar Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Aleppo, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 31 degrees facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the city's latitude and seasonal variations in solar elevation, ensuring the best possible energy capture throughout the year.

Environmental and Local Factors

While Aleppo's climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact solar panel efficiency: 1. Dust storms: Aleppo occasionally experiences dust storms, which can temporarily reduce solar panel efficiency by coating the panels with a layer of dust. 2. High summer temperatures: Extreme heat can slightly decrease solar panel efficiency, although this effect is usually minimal. To mitigate these issues, consider implementing the following preventative measures:

• Regular cleaning: Establish a routine cleaning schedule for solar panels to remove dust and debris, especially after dust storms.
• Proper ventilation: Ensure adequate airflow around the solar panels to help dissipate heat and maintain optimal operating temperatures.
• Quality components: Use high-quality, heat-resistant solar panels and inverters designed to perform well in hot climates.

By taking these precautions, solar energy systems in Aleppo can maintain high levels of efficiency and productivity throughout the year, capitalizing on the region's generally favorable conditions for solar power generation.

Note: The Northern Temperate Zone extends from 35° latitude North up to 66.5° latitude.

So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 8 locations across Syria. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Syria by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Aleppo

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 36.2, Longitude: 37.1615 (Aleppo, Syria), 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 31° South in Aleppo, Syria

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Aleppo, Syria (Lat/Long 36.2, 37.1615) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 31° 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 Aleppo, Syria

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 Aleppo, Syria. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 31° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
20° South in Summer	40° South in Autumn	51° South in Winter	28° 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 Aleppo, Syria

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 Aleppo, Syria.

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 Aleppo, Syria

The topography around Aleppo, Syria, is characterized by a diverse landscape that reflects the city's long history and strategic location. Situated in northwestern Syria, Aleppo lies on a plateau at an elevation of about 380 meters (1,250 feet) above sea level. The city is surrounded by gently rolling hills and plains, creating a relatively flat terrain in its immediate vicinity. To the west of Aleppo, the land gradually rises towards the Jebel Semaan mountain range, which forms part of the larger Limestone Massif. These hills and low mountains provide a natural barrier and have historically served as a defensive advantage for the city. The eastern and southern areas around Aleppo are dominated by expansive plains that stretch towards the Euphrates River.

Potential for Solar PV Development

The regions surrounding Aleppo offer promising potential for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The most suitable areas for such projects would likely be the flat, open plains to the east and south of the city. These areas benefit from several advantageous factors: Firstly, the relatively level terrain of the plains makes construction and maintenance of solar arrays more straightforward and cost-effective. The lack of significant geographical obstacles allows for efficient layout and positioning of solar panels to maximize sun exposure. Secondly, these areas receive ample sunlight throughout the year, with Syria experiencing a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters. The abundance of clear, sunny days in this region is ideal for solar energy production. The sparsely populated nature of these plains also means that large-scale solar installations would have minimal impact on existing settlements or agricultural activities. Additionally, the proximity to Aleppo, a major urban center, would facilitate the integration of generated power into the existing electrical grid. However, it's important to note that the development of such projects would be contingent on the region's stability and security situation, as well as the availability of necessary infrastructure and investment. Despite these challenges, the topographical and climatic conditions around Aleppo present significant potential for future solar energy development.

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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.