Solar PV Analysis of Hama, Syria
The city of Hama, Syria, situated at latitude 35.1345 and longitude 36.7545, offers varying potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this region experiences distinct seasonal changes that significantly impact solar PV output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Hama reaches its peak during the summer months, with an impressive daily output of 8.48 kWh per kW of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, generating 6.77 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decline to 4.97 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.13 kWh/day.
The substantial variation between seasons indicates that Hama is most ideal for solar energy generation from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer days and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Hama, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 30 degrees facing south. This orientation allows for optimal sun exposure throughout the year, balancing the varying sun angles across seasons.
Environmental Considerations
While Hama's climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Dust storms: The region can experience occasional dust storms, which may temporarily reduce panel efficiency.
- High summer temperatures: Extreme heat can slightly decrease solar panel performance.
To mitigate these issues, regular panel cleaning and maintenance should be implemented. Additionally, installing panels with a slight elevation from the roof or ground can improve air circulation and help manage heat-related efficiency losses.
Overall, Hama's location provides a good opportunity for solar energy generation, particularly during the summer and spring months. With proper installation and maintenance, solar PV systems can be a reliable source of renewable energy in this Syrian city.
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 Hama
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.1345, Longitude: 36.7545 (Hama, 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 30° South in Hama, Syria
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Hama, Syria (Lat/Long 35.1345, 36.7545) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 30° 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 Hama, 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 Hama, Syria. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 30° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19° South in Summer | 39° South in Autumn | 49° South in Winter | 27° 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 Hama, 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 Hama, Syria.
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 Hama, Syria
The topography around Hama, Syria is characterized by a mix of flat plains and gently rolling hills. The city itself is situated in the Orontes Valley, which is a relatively flat and fertile area. To the east of Hama, the terrain gradually rises into a plateau known as the Syrian Desert, which features a more arid landscape.
To the west of Hama, the land becomes more varied, with low hills and small valleys leading towards the coastal mountain range known as the Coastal Mountain Range or the Nusayriyah Mountains. These mountains, while not extremely high, create a noticeable change in elevation compared to the valley where Hama is located.
The Orontes River, which flows through Hama, has played a significant role in shaping the local topography. The river valley is generally flat and has been extensively cultivated for agriculture due to its rich soil and access to water.
Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the regions east and southeast of Hama would likely be the most appropriate. These areas, transitioning into the Syrian Desert, offer several advantages for solar energy production:
- Flat terrain: The relatively level ground makes construction and maintenance of solar panels easier and more cost-effective.
- High solar irradiance: The desert climate provides abundant sunlight throughout the year, maximizing potential energy generation.
- Less agricultural competition: Unlike the fertile Orontes Valley, these drier areas are less suitable for farming, reducing land-use conflicts.
- Sparse population: The lower population density in these areas means less interference with human settlements and activities.
However, it's important to note that factors such as grid connectivity, local regulations, and security situations would also play crucial roles in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar projects in this region. Additionally, the presence of dust and sand in desert areas might require more frequent cleaning and maintenance of solar panels to maintain optimal efficiency.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 13th of August 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
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