The location in Rif-dimashq, Syria, situated in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 33.5002, 37.3827, presents a promising opportunity for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This region experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which is reflected in the electricity output per kW of installed solar capacity.

Seasonal Solar Energy Production

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 8.82 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 7.46 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease in production at 5.34 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.69 kWh/day.

The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the importance of proper system sizing to ensure adequate energy supply during less productive months. However, the relatively high output even in winter suggests that solar PV remains a viable energy source year-round in this location.

Optimal Panel Tilt Angle

For fixed panel installations in Rif-dimashq, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 29 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for seasonal changes in the sun's position.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

While Rif-dimashq generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

• Dust and sand: The region's arid climate can lead to dust accumulation on panels, potentially reducing efficiency.
• High temperatures: Summer heat may slightly decrease panel efficiency.

To mitigate these issues, regular panel cleaning should be incorporated into maintenance routines. Additionally, installing panels with a slight tilt can help prevent dust buildup. Choosing high-quality, heat-resistant panels and ensuring proper ventilation can help maintain efficiency during hot periods.

Overall, Rif-dimashq presents an ideal location for solar PV energy generation, with strong potential throughout the year and particularly high output during summer and spring months. With proper installation and maintenance, solar energy can be a reliable and efficient power source in this region.

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 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 Rif-dimashq

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 33.5002, Longitude: 37.3827 (Rif-dimashq, 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 29° South in Rif-dimashq, Syria

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Rif-dimashq, Syria (Lat/Long 33.5002, 37.3827) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 29° 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 Rif-dimashq, 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 Rif-dimashq, Syria. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 29° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
17° South in Summer	38° South in Autumn	48° South in Winter	26° 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 Rif-dimashq, 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 Rif-dimashq, 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 Rif-dimashq, Syria

The topography around Rif-dimashq, Syria, is characterized by a diverse landscape that includes both mountainous regions and flat plains. This area, located in the southwestern part of Syria, encompasses the countryside surrounding the capital city of Damascus. To the west of the specified coordinates, the terrain is dominated by the Anti-Lebanon Mountains, a mountain range that forms a natural border between Syria and Lebanon. These mountains feature steep slopes, rocky outcrops, and high elevations, with some peaks reaching over 2,000 meters above sea level. The rugged terrain in this area creates a dramatic backdrop to the region and influences local weather patterns. As one moves eastward from the mountains, the landscape gradually transitions into a more gently rolling terrain. This area, known as the Ghouta, is a fertile oasis that has historically been an important agricultural region for Damascus. The Ghouta features a mix of orchards, farmlands, and small settlements, with a network of irrigation channels fed by the Barada River. Further to the east and southeast, the terrain becomes increasingly arid and flatter, eventually merging with the Syrian Desert. This area is characterized by vast expanses of rocky or sandy terrain with sparse vegetation, typical of a semi-arid climate.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, the eastern and southeastern regions of Rif-dimashq offer the most promising conditions. These areas have several advantages for solar energy production: Firstly, the relatively flat terrain of the desert regions makes it easier and more cost-effective to install large arrays of solar panels. The lack of significant geographical obstacles means that solar farms can be designed with optimal efficiency and minimal earthwork. Secondly, these areas receive abundant sunlight throughout the year due to their arid climate and lack of cloud cover. This high solar irradiance is crucial for maximizing energy production from PV installations. Additionally, the sparse population and vegetation in these desert regions mean that there would be minimal conflict with agricultural or residential land use. This makes it easier to allocate large tracts of land for solar energy projects without significantly impacting local communities or ecosystems. However, it's important to note that while these areas offer great potential for solar energy, they also present challenges such as dust accumulation on panels and the need for water for cleaning and maintenance. Any large-scale solar project in this region would need to address these issues through appropriate technological solutions and careful planning.

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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.