Solar Energy Potential in Shariatpur, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh

Shariatpur, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh, located at coordinates 23.2149, 90.3438, offers promising conditions for solar energy generation throughout the year. This tropical location benefits from relatively consistent sunlight patterns, though with seasonal variations in energy production potential. The seasonal solar energy output in Shariatpur 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 a solid 4.72 kWh/day, while summer produces 4.53 kWh/day. Winter shows the lowest output at 4.01 kWh/day, though still providing reasonable generation. For residents and businesses considering solar installation in Shariatpur, Dhaka Division, these figures indicate that while solar energy is viable year-round, spring months offer particularly excellent generation potential. The transition seasons (spring and autumn) generally outperform summer in this region, which might surprise those unfamiliar with tropical solar patterns.

Optimal Solar Panel Installation

To maximize solar energy capture in Shariatpur, Dhaka Division, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 22 degrees facing South. This specific angle has been calculated to optimize year-round solar production based on Shariatpur's latitude and seasonal sun positions. This optimal angle balances energy production across seasons, though slight adjustments might benefit installations focused on particular seasons.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several significant environmental factors in Shariatpur can affect solar energy production:

• Monsoon conditions with heavy rainfall and cloud cover, particularly from June to September, can temporarily reduce solar output
• High humidity levels year-round may cause condensation on panels, potentially reducing efficiency
• Dust accumulation is common during dry seasons, particularly in rural areas
• Flooding in this low-lying region can threaten ground-mounted installations

To mitigate these challenges, several preventative measures are recommended. Installing panels at the optimal 22-degree angle not only maximizes energy capture but also promotes natural cleaning during rainfall. Regular cleaning schedules are essential, particularly before and after monsoon season. Elevated mounting structures protect against potential flooding, while high-quality waterproof components and sealed junction boxes help withstand the region's humidity and heavy rains. Despite these challenges, Shariatpur's solar potential remains strong, with average daily production values that make solar PV installations economically viable, especially with proper system design and maintenance protocols that address the region's specific environmental conditions.

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 Shariatpur

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 23.2149, Longitude: 90.3438 (Shariatpur, 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 Shariatpur, Bangladesh

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Shariatpur, Bangladesh (Lat/Long 23.2149, 90.3438) 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 Shariatpur, 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 Shariatpur, 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
7° South in Summer	29° South in Autumn	38° 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 Shariatpur, 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 Shariatpur, 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 Shariatpur, Bangladesh

Shariatpur, situated in Bangladesh, lies within the expansive Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta, one of the world's largest and most fertile deltas. The topography of this region is predominantly characterized by flat, low-lying alluvial plains with minimal elevation variations. The average elevation in Shariatpur hovers just a few meters above sea level, making it part of Bangladesh's extensive floodplain landscape. The area is crisscrossed by numerous rivers and waterways, with the Padma River (a main distributary of the Ganges) flowing along its northern boundary. These waterways have shaped the landscape over millennia, depositing rich alluvial soil across the region. During monsoon seasons, substantial portions of the surrounding areas may experience flooding, which continually reshapes the subtle contours of the land.

Landscape Features

The immediate vicinity of Shariatpur presents a mosaic of agricultural fields, rural settlements, and scattered vegetation. Rice paddies dominate the agricultural landscape, interspersed with jute fields and other seasonal crops. The flat terrain extends in all directions with minimal natural barriers or significant elevation changes. Some slight variations in the landscape occur where river levees form natural ridges along current and former waterways. These elevated strips, though only rising a meter or two above the surrounding floodplain, represent the highest natural ground in the area and have historically been preferred for settlement sites.

Potential for Solar PV Development

For large-scale solar photovoltaic development, several nearby areas present favorable conditions based on topographical considerations: The slightly elevated areas along river levees offer some advantages, particularly reduced flood risk compared to the lowest-lying areas. These natural ridges, while subtle, provide marginally better drainage and slightly lower humidity levels that can benefit solar infrastructure. Agricultural land that lies fallow during certain seasons could potentially accommodate dual-use solar installations, though careful consideration would need to be given to the region's food security needs. The flat nature of these fields would minimize earthworks needed for solar array installation. The char lands—temporary or semi-permanent river islands and sandbars—that form within the river channels sometimes remain stable enough for certain types of development. While presenting challenges due to accessibility and seasonal changes, some of the larger, more stable char areas could potentially support solar installations with appropriate engineering adaptations.

Topographical Challenges

The primary topographical challenge for solar development in the Shariatpur area stems from its flood vulnerability. The low elevation and proximity to major rivers mean that seasonal flooding affects large portions of the landscape. Solar installations would require significant flood mitigation measures, including elevated mounting structures and robust foundations. The dynamic nature of the delta landscape also presents challenges, as river channels can shift over time, potentially affecting sites that were previously considered stable. Erosion along riverbanks is an ongoing process that would need to be accounted for in site selection. The lack of natural high ground means that any large-scale solar development would need to incorporate artificial elevation or be designed with seasonal flooding in mind. This might involve innovative floating solar solutions on more permanent water bodies or specially designed elevated mounting systems.

Optimal Areas Based on Topography

Considering topographical factors alone, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Shariatpur would be: The slightly higher grounds along the Padma River's southern bank, where natural levees provide marginally better elevation and drainage. These areas, while still relatively flat, offer some natural protection against the most frequent flooding events. Stable agricultural lands situated away from the most active river channels but still accessible by road infrastructure. These areas balance flood risk with the practical needs of construction and maintenance access. Areas where land reclamation or flood protection works have already been implemented may offer enhanced stability for solar infrastructure. These locations, having already received investment in water management, might provide the necessary foundation for additional infrastructure development. Any comprehensive assessment for solar siting would need to integrate these topographical considerations with other crucial factors including land use patterns, electrical grid access, and local climate conditions specific to the Shariatpur region.

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.