Chebba, Mahdia Governorate, Tunisia, located at 35.2286° N latitude and 11.1205° E longitude, offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This coastal town in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences varying levels of solar energy production across different seasons.

Seasonal Solar Energy Production

Solar energy output in Chebba fluctuates significantly between seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 7.56 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 6.21 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in production at 4.29 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.26 kWh/day.

Optimal Times for Solar Generation

The most favorable period for solar energy production in Chebba spans from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency. However, it's worth noting that even during the less productive winter months, the region still maintains a reasonable level of solar energy generation.

Panel Installation and Tilt Angle

For those considering a fixed panel installation in Chebba, Mahdia Governorate, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 30 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the region's latitude and seasonal variations in sun position.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

While Chebba generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider:

1. Coastal salt spray: Due to its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, salt accumulation on panels could potentially reduce efficiency over time.
2. Occasional sandstorms: Although rare, these events can temporarily decrease panel performance.

To mitigate these issues, regular panel cleaning and the use of protective coatings can help maintain optimal energy production. Additionally, installing panels at a slight angle can assist with natural cleaning during rainfall, further enhancing their longevity and efficiency.

Overall, Chebba presents a highly suitable location for solar PV installations, with its abundant sunshine and minimal environmental challenges making it an attractive option for sustainable energy production.

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 53 locations across Tunisia. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Tunisia by location

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

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.2286, Longitude: 11.1205 (Chebba, Tunisia), 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 Chebba, Tunisia

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Chebba, Tunisia (Lat/Long 35.2286, 11.1205) 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 Chebba, Tunisia

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 Chebba, Tunisia. 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	50° 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 Chebba, Tunisia

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 Chebba, Tunisia.

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 Chebba, Tunisia

The topography around Chebba, Tunisia, is characterized by a diverse landscape that transitions from coastal plains to gently rolling hills as you move inland. Chebba itself is situated along the eastern coast of Tunisia, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The immediate coastal area is relatively flat, with sandy beaches and low-lying terrain that extends for several kilometers inland. As you move away from the coast, the land gradually rises, forming a series of low hills and plateaus. These elevations are generally modest, rarely exceeding 100 meters above sea level. The terrain becomes more undulating, with shallow valleys and small ridges creating a varied landscape. This topography is typical of the Sahel region of eastern Tunisia, which is known for its semi-arid climate and sparse vegetation.

Suitable Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

The regions surrounding Chebba offer several promising locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The most suitable areas would be found inland, away from the immediate coastal zone. These locations benefit from several advantageous factors: Firstly, the gently rolling hills and plateaus provide ample flat or slightly sloping land that is ideal for solar panel placement. These areas receive abundant sunlight throughout the year, thanks to Tunisia's favorable climate and latitude. Secondly, the semi-arid nature of the region means there is limited agriculture or dense vegetation, reducing potential land-use conflicts. Many of these inland areas are sparsely populated, which would minimize disruption to local communities during the construction and operation of solar facilities. The areas to the southwest and west of Chebba, extending towards the cities of Mahdia and El Jem, are particularly promising. These regions feature expansive, open landscapes with good road access, making them suitable for large-scale solar developments. The slightly elevated terrain in these areas also helps to avoid any potential issues with coastal humidity or salt spray, which could affect solar panel efficiency. It's worth noting that while the coastal plains near Chebba receive ample sunlight, they may be less suitable for large-scale solar projects due to competing land uses, such as tourism and urban development. Additionally, the value of coastal real estate and the potential for future urban expansion make inland locations more practical and cost-effective for extensive solar PV installations.

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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.