Solar PV Analysis of Comilla, Bangladesh
Comilla, Chittagong, Bangladesh, situated at 23.3522° N, 91.0593° E, presents a favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This tropical setting benefits from consistent sunlight, with seasons primarily characterized by wet and dry periods rather than temperature extremes.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy potential in Comilla varies across seasons, with spring offering the highest output at 6.16 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Autumn follows with 5.11 kWh/day, while winter and summer show similar performance at 4.70 kWh/day and 4.69 kWh/day, respectively. These figures indicate a relatively stable year-round solar production, with a notable peak during spring months.
Optimal Panel Positioning
For fixed panel installations in Comilla, Chittagong, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 23 degrees facing South. This angle is calculated based on the location's latitude and accounts for the Earth's elliptical orbit, ensuring optimal exposure to sunlight throughout the year.
Environmental Considerations
While Comilla's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Monsoon season: Heavy rainfall and increased cloud cover during the monsoon months (typically June to September) may reduce solar output.
- Dust and pollution: Urban areas in Bangladesh can experience high levels of air pollution, which may accumulate on solar panels and decrease efficiency.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these challenges and ensure optimal solar energy production, consider implementing the following measures:
- Install a robust mounting system capable of withstanding heavy rains and potential flooding during the monsoon season.
- Implement a regular cleaning schedule for solar panels to remove dust and pollutants, particularly during dry seasons.
- Consider using anti-soiling coatings on solar panels to reduce dust accumulation and make cleaning easier.
- Install a monitoring system to track performance and quickly identify any issues affecting energy production.
By addressing these factors, solar installations in Comilla can take full advantage of the location's favorable year-round solar potential, particularly during the highly productive spring months.
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 Comilla
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 23.3522, Longitude: 91.0593 (Comilla, 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 23° South in Comilla, Bangladesh
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Comilla, Bangladesh (Lat/Long 23.3522, 91.0593) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 23° 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 Comilla, 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 Comilla, Bangladesh. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 23° 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 | 29° South in Autumn | 39° South in Winter | 17° 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 Comilla, 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 Comilla, Bangladesh.
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 Comilla, Bangladesh
The topography around Comilla, Bangladesh, is characterized by a relatively flat and low-lying landscape. This area is part of the vast Bengal Plain, which is primarily composed of alluvial soil deposited by the numerous rivers that crisscross the region. The terrain is generally level, with only slight variations in elevation across the landscape.
Comilla and its surrounding areas are situated in the eastern part of Bangladesh, not far from the border with India. The region is dotted with small hills and gentle undulations, but these are not significant enough to drastically alter the overall flat nature of the terrain. The city itself lies at an elevation of around 10 meters (33 feet) above sea level.
The area is crisscrossed by several rivers and their tributaries, including the Gumti River, which flows near Comilla. These waterways have shaped the landscape over time, creating a network of natural drainage channels and occasionally causing seasonal flooding in some low-lying areas.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors need to be considered. The flat terrain in much of the region around Comilla is generally favorable for solar projects, as it minimizes the need for extensive land preparation and allows for easier installation and maintenance of solar panels.
Areas to the north and east of Comilla, where there are fewer major rivers and a slightly higher elevation, might be particularly suitable for solar PV projects. These locations would potentially have a reduced risk of flooding compared to the more low-lying areas closer to major waterways.
However, it's important to note that the entire region experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with heavy rainfall during certain months. This factor would need to be carefully considered in the design and implementation of any large-scale solar project. Additionally, the availability of open, unshaded land away from densely populated areas would be crucial for such developments.
Ultimately, while the flat topography of the region is generally favorable for solar PV installations, specific site selection would require detailed local surveys considering factors such as land availability, proximity to power infrastructure, and local climate conditions.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 30th of July 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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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.
