The Barisal Division in Bangladesh, located at coordinates 22.5°N, 90.3333°E in the tropical region, offers reasonably good conditions for year-round solar energy generation. This coastal division benefits from consistent sunlight throughout most of the year, typical of tropical locations where seasonal variations are primarily defined by wet and dry periods rather than temperature changes.

Solar Energy Output Performance

Based on expected electricity generation rates, this location produces moderate to good solar energy yields across all seasons. Spring emerges as the most productive season, generating 6.05 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Autumn follows as the second-best performing season at 4.71 kWh per day per kW installed. Summer and winter show similar, more modest outputs of 4.28 kWh and 4.27 kWh per day per kW respectively. The higher spring production likely coincides with clearer skies before the onset of monsoon rains, while the strong autumn performance suggests good conditions following the wet season. For optimal year-round energy production, solar panels should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 22 degrees facing south. This angle maximizes total annual solar collection by accounting for the sun's varying position throughout the year at this latitude.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Several significant local factors can impede solar energy production in the Barisal Division:

• Monsoon rains and heavy cloud cover during wet seasons, particularly affecting summer months
• High humidity levels that can reduce panel efficiency and cause corrosion
• Cyclones and severe storms that can damage installations
• Salt air from coastal proximity causing accelerated corrosion of metal components
• Dust and debris accumulation on panels, especially during dry periods

Preventative Measures for Better Performance

To maximize solar energy production despite these challenges, several installation strategies should be implemented. Using marine-grade aluminum frames and stainless steel mounting hardware helps resist salt corrosion. Regular cleaning schedules become essential, particularly after dust storms or before peak production seasons. Installing drainage systems and ensuring proper panel spacing allows rainwater to naturally clean panels while preventing water accumulation. Choosing panels with anti-reflective coatings and robust weather sealing protects against humidity damage. Structural reinforcement of mounting systems should account for cyclone-force winds common to this coastal region. Additionally, installing monitoring systems helps identify performance drops quickly, allowing for prompt maintenance that keeps energy output at optimal levels throughout the year.

Note: The Tropics are located between 23.5° North and -23.5° South of the equator.

So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 88 locations across Bangladesh. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Bangladesh by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Barisal Division

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 22.5, Longitude: 90.3333 (Barisal Division, Bangladesh), 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 22° South in Barisal Division, Bangladesh

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Barisal Division, Bangladesh (Lat/Long 22.5, 90.3333) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 22° 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 Barisal Division, Bangladesh

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 Barisal Division, Bangladesh. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 22° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
7° South in Summer	28° South in Autumn	38° South in Winter	16° 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 Barisal Division, Bangladesh

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 Barisal Division, Bangladesh.

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 Barisal Division, Bangladesh

Topographical Features of Barisal Division

The Barisal Division of Bangladesh is characterized by remarkably flat, low-lying terrain that forms part of the vast Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta. This region sits at an elevation barely above sea level, with most areas ranging from just one to three meters in height. The landscape is dominated by an intricate network of rivers, channels, and waterways that crisscross the entire division, creating a distinctive riverine environment. The topography is shaped primarily by alluvial deposits carried down by major rivers including the Padma, Meghna, and their numerous tributaries. These waterways have created a complex pattern of islands, chars (temporary islands), and interconnected channels that constantly shift and evolve due to sediment deposition and erosion. The terrain is exceptionally uniform in its flatness, with virtually no hills or elevated areas to speak of. Seasonal flooding is a defining characteristic of this region's topography. During monsoon periods, large portions of the land become inundated, creating temporary lakes and expanding the existing water bodies. The soil composition consists primarily of fertile alluvial clay and silt, which retains moisture well but can become waterlogged during wet periods.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The search for suitable large-scale solar photovoltaic installations in this region requires careful consideration of the challenging topographical conditions. The most promising locations would be the higher ground areas, though "higher" is relative in this exceptionally flat landscape. These slightly elevated zones, typically found along river embankments and older alluvial deposits, offer better drainage and reduced flood risk. Areas with established infrastructure and road access present the most practical opportunities for solar development. The regions around major towns and cities often have better drainage systems and are situated on marginally higher ground that has been built up over time. These locations also benefit from proximity to existing electrical grid connections, which is crucial for large-scale solar projects. The chars and stable islands within the river systems could potentially offer suitable sites, particularly those that have remained stable for extended periods and show less susceptibility to erosion and flooding. However, any solar installation in this region would require elevated mounting systems and robust flood-resistant infrastructure. Coastal areas near the Bay of Bengal, while still low-lying, may offer advantages due to consistent wind patterns that can help with natural cooling of solar panels and potentially lower humidity levels. These zones often have fewer competing land uses compared to the more densely populated interior agricultural areas. The key challenge across all potential sites in Barisal Division remains the need for specialized foundation systems and elevated structures that can withstand both flooding and the soft, saturated soil conditions typical of this deltaic environment.

Bangladesh solar PV Stats as a country

Bangladesh ranks 63rd in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 329 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Bangladesh is generating 2 Watts from solar PV per capita (Bangladesh ranks 87th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Bangladesh?

Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Bangladesh. The government of Bangladesh has implemented a number of policies and programs to promote the use of renewable energy sources such as solar power. These include tax exemptions, subsidies, and other financial incentives for businesses that install solar systems. Additionally, the government has set up a Renewable Energy Fund which provides grants to support research and development activities related to renewable energy technologies.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Bangladesh? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!

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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.