Solar Energy Potential at Natore, Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh

Natore, Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh presents a reasonably good location for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 24.2606°N, 88.9887°E, this area receives substantial solar radiation that can be effectively converted into electricity using solar photovoltaic panels.

Seasonal Energy Production

The solar energy output varies significantly across the seasons in Natore. Spring emerges as the most productive season, generating 5.82 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Summer follows as the second-best period with 4.75 kWh per day per kW installed. Autumn provides moderate production at 4.47 kWh per day per kW, while winter shows the lowest output at 3.80 kWh per day per kW installed. Despite this seasonal variation, even the winter months provide reasonable solar energy generation, making year-round solar installations viable.

Optimal Panel Configuration

For maximum energy production throughout the year, solar panels in Natore should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 23 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize total annual solar output by accounting for the sun's changing position throughout the seasons and the Earth's elliptical orbit around the sun.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Several significant factors in Natore could impede solar energy production and require careful consideration during installation:

• Monsoon rains and high humidity: Bangladesh experiences intense monsoon seasons with heavy rainfall and consistently high humidity levels
• Dust and particulate matter: The region's agricultural activities and dry periods can create dust accumulation on solar panels
• Cyclones and severe weather: The area is susceptible to tropical cyclones and severe storms during certain seasons
• Temperature extremes: High temperatures during summer months can reduce solar panel efficiency

Preventative Measures for Better Performance

To maximize solar energy production despite these challenges, several installation strategies should be implemented: Weather Protection: Install robust mounting systems designed to withstand high winds and storms. Use corrosion-resistant materials suitable for high-humidity environments. Ensure proper drainage around panel installations to prevent water accumulation. Maintenance Considerations: Establish regular cleaning schedules to remove dust, dirt, and debris from panel surfaces. Install panels with adequate spacing for air circulation to help manage heat buildup. Consider anti-reflective coatings that also provide easier cleaning surfaces. System Design: Use high-quality inverters and electrical components rated for tropical conditions. Implement proper grounding and surge protection systems to handle electrical storms. Design installations with easy access for maintenance and cleaning activities. Monitoring Systems: Install performance monitoring equipment to quickly identify when panels need cleaning or maintenance. This helps ensure optimal energy production throughout the year despite environmental challenges. Despite these environmental factors, Natore's strong solar resource, particularly during spring and summer months, makes it a viable location for solar energy generation when proper installation and maintenance practices are followed.

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 Natore

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 24.2606, Longitude: 88.9887 (Natore, 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 Natore, Bangladesh

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Natore, Bangladesh (Lat/Long 24.2606, 88.9887) 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 Natore, 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 Natore, 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
8° South in Summer	30° South in Autumn	39° South in Winter	18° 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 Natore, 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 Natore, 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 Natore, Bangladesh

Topographical Features of Natore Region

The area around Natore in northwestern Bangladesh presents a predominantly flat landscape characteristic of the greater Bengal Delta region. This district sits within the vast alluvial plains that stretch across much of Bangladesh, formed by centuries of sediment deposition from the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna river systems. The terrain exhibits gentle undulations with minimal elevation changes, creating an expansive low-lying landscape that extends in all directions from the town center.

The local topography features numerous water bodies including rivers, canals, and seasonal wetlands that are integral to the regional geography. The Chalan Beel, one of Bangladesh's largest wetland areas, lies to the south and southeast of Natore, creating a complex network of interconnected water channels and seasonal flooding zones. During monsoon periods, much of this wetland expands significantly, while in drier months it contracts to reveal fertile agricultural land.

Agricultural fields dominate the surrounding landscape, with rice paddies forming the primary land use pattern. These cultivated areas are typically divided by raised embankments and small drainage channels that help manage water flow during different seasons. The field boundaries create a patchwork pattern across the terrain, with individual plots varying in size from small family holdings to larger commercial operations.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The relatively flat topography around Natore presents several advantages for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations. The areas immediately north and west of the town center offer the most suitable conditions, featuring stable ground that remains above flood levels throughout the year. These elevated sections of the alluvial plain provide consistent access and avoid the seasonal inundation that affects lower-lying areas.

The northwestern quadrant, extending toward the Rajshahi division boundary, contains substantial tracts of land with minimal slope variation and good drainage characteristics. This region benefits from slightly higher elevation compared to areas closer to the Chalan Beel wetlands, making it less susceptible to waterlogging during heavy rainfall periods. The existing road network in this direction also provides better infrastructure access for construction and maintenance activities.

Areas along the western corridor, particularly those following the higher ground between major waterways, present excellent opportunities for solar development. The terrain in these locations remains consistently dry and stable, with sufficient space for large arrays without interfering with critical agricultural zones or environmentally sensitive wetland areas. The natural drainage patterns in this region help ensure that solar installations would not be compromised by seasonal water accumulation.

The eastern approaches toward Pabna district also contain suitable sites, though careful site selection becomes more important due to the increasing influence of the Chalan Beel system. Higher ground along this corridor offers good potential, particularly on elevated areas that serve as natural boundaries between agricultural zones and wetland margins. These locations provide the stability needed for long-term solar installations while maintaining appropriate distances from flood-prone areas.

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

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