Meherpur, Khulna Division, Bangladesh, situated in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 23.7411, 88.6827, offers a generally favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The region experiences varying levels of solar potential across different seasons, providing opportunities for consistent energy production.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy output in Meherpur fluctuates with the changing seasons. Spring stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 5.90 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Summer and autumn follow closely, generating 4.66 kWh/day and 4.44 kWh/day, respectively. Winter sees a slight dip in production, with 3.89 kWh/day, but still maintains a respectable output. The region's location in the Northern Sub Tropics contributes to its relatively stable solar potential throughout the year. This consistency makes Meherpur an attractive site for solar PV installations, as it can provide a reliable source of renewable energy across all seasons.

Optimal Panel Orientation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Meherpur, Khulna Division, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 22 degrees facing South. This orientation takes into account the location's latitude and the sun's path throughout the year, ensuring optimal exposure to sunlight and maximizing energy generation.

Environmental Considerations

While Meherpur generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider: 1. Monsoon season: Bangladesh experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon months, typically from June to September. This can lead to reduced solar output due to cloud cover and potential damage to solar installations if not properly protected. 2. Dust and air pollution: The region may experience periods of increased dust and air pollution, which can accumulate on solar panels and reduce their efficiency. To mitigate these challenges, several preventative measures can be implemented:

• Install robust mounting systems designed to withstand heavy rainfall and strong winds during the monsoon season.
• Implement regular cleaning and maintenance schedules to remove dust and debris from solar panels, ensuring optimal performance.
• Consider using self-cleaning or hydrophobic coatings on solar panels to reduce the impact of dust and pollution.
• Install proper drainage systems around solar installations to prevent water accumulation during heavy rains.

By addressing these environmental factors and implementing appropriate preventative measures, solar PV installations in Meherpur can maintain high levels of energy production throughout the year, making it an ideal location for harnessing solar power.

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 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 Meherpur

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 23.7411, Longitude: 88.6827 (Meherpur, 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 Meherpur, Bangladesh

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Meherpur, Bangladesh (Lat/Long 23.7411, 88.6827) 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 Meherpur, 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 Meherpur, 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
8° 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 Meherpur, 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 Meherpur, 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 Meherpur, Bangladesh

The topography around Meherpur, Bangladesh is predominantly flat and low-lying, typical of the Bengal Plain region. This area is part of the vast Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta, characterized by its alluvial soil and gentle terrain. The landscape is mostly composed of agricultural fields, interspersed with small villages and occasional patches of vegetation.

The elevation in and around Meherpur is generally between 10 to 20 meters above sea level, with very little variation. This flat terrain is a result of centuries of sediment deposition by the major rivers flowing through Bangladesh. The area experiences a tropical monsoon climate, which contributes to its lush, green appearance for much of the year.

As for areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the flat terrain of the region offers several advantages. Open agricultural lands surrounding Meherpur could potentially be ideal for solar farms, provided they are not prime agricultural areas or protected wetlands. These areas would offer minimal shading issues and ease of construction due to the level ground.

Specifically, the rural areas to the north and west of Meherpur town might be suitable for solar PV projects. These locations tend to have larger, uninterrupted stretches of land that could accommodate extensive solar panel arrays. Additionally, areas along major roads, such as the Meherpur-Chuadanga Highway, might be considered for their accessibility and existing infrastructure.

However, it's important to note that while the topography is favorable, other factors need to be considered for solar PV suitability. These include local climate conditions, particularly the impact of the monsoon season, potential flooding risks, and the availability of connection points to the electrical grid. Any large-scale solar project would require detailed site-specific assessments and environmental impact studies before implementation.

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.