Kushtia, Bangladesh is a reasonably good location for year-round solar energy generation, though it shows significant seasonal variation typical of its Northern Sub Tropical climate. Located at coordinates 23.7333°N, 89.4833°E, this region experiences notable differences in solar output throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The location shows spring as the peak solar generation season, producing 5.98 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity. Summer and autumn perform similarly well at 4.66 and 4.72 kWh/day respectively, while winter shows the lowest output at 4.03 kWh/day per kW installed. Spring emerges as the ideal time for solar generation at this location, likely benefiting from optimal sun angles and clearer atmospheric conditions before the intense summer heat and monsoon season arrive. The relatively strong performance in summer and autumn indicates consistent solar potential for much of the year. For fixed panel installations at Kushtia, the optimal tilt angle is 22 degrees facing south to maximize total year-round solar production.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Several significant local factors can impede solar production in Kushtia and require careful consideration during installation:

• Monsoon Season: Bangladesh experiences heavy monsoon rains typically from June to September, which can dramatically reduce solar output due to cloud cover and frequent storms
• High Humidity: The subtropical climate creates persistent high humidity that can cause corrosion of electrical components and reduce panel efficiency
• Dust and Particulates: The region experiences significant dust accumulation, particularly during dry periods, which can coat panels and reduce light transmission
• Cyclones and Severe Weather: Coastal Bangladesh is prone to tropical cyclones and severe storms that can damage solar installations
• Flooding: The low-lying geography makes the area susceptible to seasonal flooding, which can damage ground-mounted systems and electrical infrastructure

Preventative Installation Measures

To maximize solar energy production despite these challenges, several protective measures should be implemented. Installing panels with robust waterproof sealing and using marine-grade electrical components helps combat humidity-related corrosion. Elevated mounting systems protect against flooding while ensuring adequate drainage around installations. Regular cleaning schedules become essential to remove dust and debris, particularly during dry seasons. Installing panels at steeper angles can help with self-cleaning during rain. Wind-resistant mounting systems with proper engineering for cyclone loads are crucial for long-term durability. Incorporating bypass diodes and microinverters can help maintain system performance during partial shading from weather conditions. Additionally, installing lightning protection systems and surge suppressors protects against the frequent electrical storms common in this subtropical region. Despite these challenges, Kushtia's solar potential remains viable with proper planning and installation techniques, particularly given the strong spring and decent year-round baseline performance.

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 Kushtia, Dhaka Division

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 23.7333, Longitude: 89.4833 (Kushtia, Dhaka 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 Kushtia, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kushtia, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh (Lat/Long 23.7333, 89.4833) 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 Kushtia, Dhaka 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 Kushtia, Dhaka 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
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 Kushtia, Dhaka 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 Kushtia, Dhaka 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 Kushtia, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh

Topographical Characteristics of the Kushtia Region

The area surrounding Kushtia in western Bangladesh is characterized by relatively flat, low-lying terrain that forms part of the greater Bengal Delta plain. This expansive floodplain region sits at an elevation of approximately 10 to 20 meters above sea level, creating a gently undulating landscape with minimal topographical variation. The terrain consists primarily of alluvial deposits carried down by the Ganges River system over thousands of years, resulting in fertile but predominantly flat agricultural land.

The Padma River, which is the main distributary of the Ganges in Bangladesh, flows to the south of Kushtia and significantly influences the local topography. Numerous smaller rivers and waterways crisscross the region, creating a network of natural drainage channels that have shaped the land over time. These water bodies are accompanied by their associated floodplains and levees, which introduce subtle elevation changes across the otherwise uniform landscape.

Agricultural fields dominate the visual landscape, with rice paddies, jute cultivation areas, and various crop lands extending in all directions from urban centers. The region experiences seasonal flooding during monsoon periods, which has historically prevented significant vertical development and maintained the area's characteristic flatness. Small settlements and rural communities are typically built on slightly elevated ground to avoid flood damage.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Installations

The flat topography around Kushtia presents excellent opportunities for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations. Areas located on the higher ground between major waterways would be most suitable, as they offer stable foundations while remaining elevated enough to avoid seasonal flooding concerns. The relatively uniform terrain means that large solar arrays can be installed with minimal grading or earthwork requirements, significantly reducing construction costs and complexity.

The most promising locations for solar development would be found in the areas northwest and northeast of Kushtia city, where the land rises slightly above the immediate floodplain. These zones offer the dual advantages of being less prone to inundation while still maintaining the flat characteristics ideal for solar panel installation. The absence of significant hills, valleys, or other topographical obstacles means that shading issues would be minimal, allowing for optimal panel spacing and orientation.

Areas closer to existing electrical infrastructure would be particularly advantageous, as the flat terrain facilitates easy construction of access roads and transmission connections. The agricultural nature of much of the surrounding land also means that large parcels suitable for utility-scale solar projects may be available, especially in areas where farming productivity might be limited by periodic flooding or soil conditions.

Locations situated on the natural levees along smaller rivers and waterways could provide ideal sites, as these areas are typically elevated just enough to avoid flood risks while maintaining excellent accessibility. The consistent flatness of the terrain throughout the region means that multiple sites could potentially be developed simultaneously, creating opportunities for large-scale solar farms that take advantage of the area's favorable topographical 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!

Citation Guide

Article Details for Citation

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.