Solar Energy Potential in Munshiganj, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh

Munshiganj, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh, located in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 23.5552, 90.4153, offers considerable potential for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This location experiences varying levels of solar energy production across different seasons, making it a promising site for renewable energy development. The seasonal solar energy production at Munshiganj shows interesting patterns. Spring stands out as the most productive season, generating an impressive 5.98 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Autumn follows with 4.72 kWh/day, while summer produces 4.53 kWh/day. Winter shows the lowest production at 4.01 kWh/day, though this is still a respectable output. For fixed solar panel installations in Munshiganj, Dhaka Division, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 22 degrees facing South. This specific angle has been calculated to optimize the capture of solar radiation throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and seasonal variations in sun position.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several significant environmental factors could affect solar energy production in Munshiganj:

• Monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rainfall and increased cloud cover, potentially reducing solar efficiency during these months
• High humidity levels year-round can cause dust and dirt to stick to panels more readily, requiring more frequent cleaning
• Air pollution from nearby Dhaka can create a haze that diminishes solar radiation reaching the panels
• Occasional flooding in this low-lying area may threaten ground-mounted installations

To mitigate these challenges, several preventative measures can be implemented. Elevating solar installations on rooftops or raised platforms helps protect against flooding risks. Installing panels with self-cleaning hydrophobic coatings reduces maintenance needs in the humid environment. Using microinverters or power optimizers can minimize production losses during partial shading from clouds or pollution. Additionally, implementing a regular cleaning schedule, especially before and after monsoon season, will maintain optimal efficiency. Despite these challenges, the overall solar production potential in Munshiganj remains favorable, with an annual average that makes solar PV installations economically viable for both residential and commercial applications.

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 Munshiganj

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 23.5552, Longitude: 90.4153 (Munshiganj, 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 Munshiganj, Bangladesh

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Munshiganj, Bangladesh (Lat/Long 23.5552, 90.4153) 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 Munshiganj, 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 Munshiganj, 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 Munshiganj, 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 Munshiganj, 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 Munshiganj, Bangladesh

Munshiganj district, situated just south of Dhaka in Bangladesh, is characterized by a predominantly flat, low-lying topography typical of the Bengal Basin. The area sits within the vast Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Delta, one of the largest and most active delta systems in the world. The landscape around Munshiganj features elevations generally ranging from 2 to 10 meters above sea level, with minimal variations in terrain.

River Systems and Floodplains

The topography of Munshiganj is significantly influenced by several major rivers that traverse or border the district. The Dhaleshwari River flows along its western boundary, while the Meghna River defines much of its eastern edge. The Padma River (the main channel of the Ganges in Bangladesh) flows along the southern border. These rivers have created extensive floodplains characterized by fertile alluvial soils. During the monsoon season, substantial portions of these lowlands experience inundation, affecting land use patterns throughout the year.

Agricultural Landscapes

The flat terrain combined with the alluvial soil deposits has made Munshiganj an agriculturally productive region. Rice paddies dominate the landscape, interspersed with jute fields and vegetable gardens. These agricultural fields create a patchwork pattern across the district, with small settlements and villages situated on slightly elevated areas to avoid seasonal flooding.

Char Lands

A distinctive topographical feature in and around Munshiganj is the presence of char lands - newly formed alluvial islands that emerge in the rivers due to sedimentation processes. These chars are generally flat, sandy, and subject to erosion and accretion cycles as river channels shift over time. While initially unstable, older chars eventually develop sufficient elevation and stability to support agriculture and even settlements.

Potential Areas for Solar PV Development

For large-scale solar photovoltaic installations, several areas near Munshiganj present favorable topographic conditions: The slightly elevated areas in northern Munshiganj, particularly in regions like Tongibari and Gazaria upazilas, offer better protection from flooding while maintaining the flat terrain ideal for solar array installation. These areas have sufficient elevation to reduce flood risks while providing the extensive flat surfaces needed for efficient panel arrangement. Stabilized char lands, particularly older chars in the Padma and Meghna rivers that have achieved sufficient elevation and size, could be considered for solar development. These areas typically have minimal competing land uses, abundant sunshine exposure, and flat topography. However, careful assessment of soil stability and erosion risks would be essential. The eastern portions of Munshiganj district, extending toward Narayanganj, feature some areas with slightly higher elevation and reduced flood risk. These locations maintain the advantageous flat terrain while offering better drainage characteristics, making them potentially suitable for infrastructure development including solar installations.

Topographic Considerations for Solar Development

When evaluating potential sites for large-scale solar PV near Munshiganj, several topography-related factors require consideration. The flood vulnerability of potential sites is perhaps the most critical factor, given the region's low elevation and proximity to major rivers. Solar installations would ideally be placed on land with sufficient elevation to avoid seasonal inundation or would require significant flood protection measures. Soil stability also varies throughout the region, with newer alluvial deposits generally being less stable than older formations. Areas with more consolidated soil profiles would provide better foundations for solar infrastructure with reduced risk of differential settlement or erosion damage. The flat nature of the landscape does offer advantages for solar development, eliminating the need for extensive grading and simplifying the installation process. This characteristic would help reduce construction costs and environmental disruption during development. Land use competition presents another consideration, as the fertile soils support intensive agriculture. The most promising areas for solar development may be those with marginal agricultural value but sufficient elevation and stability, striking a balance between competing land use demands and optimal conditions for renewable energy infrastructure.

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.