Tartous, Tartus Governorate, Syria, situated at 34.8824°N, 35.8785°E in the Northern Sub Tropics, offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation. The city experiences varying levels of solar productivity throughout the year, with notable seasonal fluctuations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the peak season for solar energy production in Tartous, Tartus Governorate, with an impressive output of 8.41 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, generating 6.90 kWh/day/kW. Autumn sees a moderate decline in output at 5.00 kWh/day/kW, while winter experiences the lowest production at 3.19 kWh/day/kW.

These figures indicate that Tartous enjoys excellent solar potential during the warmer months, particularly from late spring through early autumn. This period is ideal for maximizing solar energy generation, with long days and abundant sunshine contributing to high productivity.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Tartous, Tartus Governorate, 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 the city's latitude and seasonal variations in the sun's position.

Environmental Considerations

While Tartous generally presents favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

1. Dust and sand: Given Syria's arid climate, dust accumulation on solar panels can reduce efficiency. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to maintain optimal performance.
2. Coastal effects: Tartous's proximity to the Mediterranean Sea may expose solar installations to salt spray, potentially causing corrosion. Using corrosion-resistant materials and applying protective coatings can mitigate this issue.

To address these challenges, implementing automated cleaning systems, selecting high-quality, weather-resistant panels, and scheduling routine maintenance can help ensure consistent energy production throughout the year.

Overall, Tartous offers a favorable location for solar PV installations, with ample sunshine and good year-round potential. By addressing the minor environmental challenges, solar energy can be a reliable and efficient power source for the 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 Tartous

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 34.8824, Longitude: 35.8785 (Tartous, 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 Tartous, Syria

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tartous, Syria (Lat/Long 34.8824, 35.8785) 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 Tartous, 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 Tartous, 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
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 Tartous, 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 Tartous, 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 Tartous, Syria

The topography around Tartous, Syria, is characterized by a diverse landscape that transitions from coastal plains to mountainous terrain. Situated on the eastern Mediterranean coast, Tartous itself is relatively flat, with the city and its immediate surroundings lying on a narrow coastal strip. This coastal plain extends for several kilometers inland before giving way to more varied terrain. As one moves eastward from the coast, the land gradually rises, forming a series of rolling hills and low mountains. These hills become more pronounced and steeper as they progress further inland, eventually merging with the Coastal Mountain Range, also known as the Nusayriyah Mountains or Jabal an-Nusayriyah. This mountain range runs parallel to the coast and forms a natural barrier between the coastal region and the interior of Syria. The Coastal Mountain Range reaches heights of up to 1,500 meters in some areas, creating a dramatic backdrop to the coastal plain. The western slopes of these mountains are generally more gradual and receive more rainfall than the eastern slopes, resulting in lusher vegetation and numerous small valleys and streams that flow towards the Mediterranean Sea.

Suitable Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby Tartous for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play, including available land, solar irradiance, and accessibility. Based on the topography of the region, the following areas would be most suited for such projects: The coastal plain east of Tartous offers significant potential for solar PV installations. This relatively flat area receives ample sunlight and has good accessibility due to existing infrastructure. The land here is less suitable for agriculture compared to the more fertile mountain slopes, making it a prime candidate for solar energy development. The foothills of the Coastal Mountain Range, particularly areas with south-facing slopes, could also be suitable for solar PV projects. These locations benefit from increased solar exposure due to their elevation and orientation. However, care must be taken to select sites that do not interfere with valuable agricultural land or natural habitats. Some of the wider valleys within the Coastal Mountain Range might also be considered for solar installations. These areas often have level ground and good sun exposure, although accessibility might be more challenging compared to the coastal plain. It's important to note that while the higher elevations of the Coastal Mountain Range receive abundant sunlight, the steep terrain and potential for shadowing effects make these areas less ideal for large-scale solar PV projects. Additionally, the valuable forest ecosystems in these mountains should be preserved, further limiting their suitability for extensive solar installations. In conclusion, the areas most suited for large-scale solar PV near Tartous would be the coastal plain and the lower foothills of the Coastal Mountain Range, where a balance can be struck between optimal solar conditions, land availability, and minimal environmental impact.

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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.