Solar Energy Potential in Phuntsholing, Chukha, Bhutan

Phuntsholing, Chukha, located in the northern sub-tropics of Bhutan, offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation. With its geographical coordinates at 26.8481°N, 89.3871°E, this area experiences varying levels of solar energy potential throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Output

The solar energy output in Phuntsholing fluctuates across seasons, with spring being the most productive period. During spring, solar panels can generate an impressive 5.42 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Autumn follows as the second-most productive season, yielding 4.66 kWh/day. Summer and winter show slightly lower outputs at 4.15 kWh/day and 3.91 kWh/day, respectively.

Optimal Panel Positioning

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Phuntsholing, Chukha, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 26-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and seasonal variations in solar elevation, ensuring the best possible energy capture throughout the year.

Environmental Considerations

While Phuntsholing's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

1. Monsoon season: Bhutan experiences heavy rainfall from June to September, which could potentially reduce solar output due to increased cloud cover.
2. Air pollution: Being a border town with significant industrial activity, Phuntsholing may experience occasional air pollution, which could slightly impact solar panel efficiency.

Preventative Measures

To mitigate these potential challenges and ensure optimal solar energy production, consider the following preventative measures:

• Install high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels that can withstand heavy rainfall and humidity.
• Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove dust and pollutants from panel surfaces.
• Use micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading on overall system performance.
• Consider a slight increase in system size to compensate for potential losses during the monsoon season.

In conclusion, Phuntsholing's location offers a good opportunity for solar PV energy generation, with spring and autumn being the most productive seasons. By implementing appropriate preventative measures and optimizing panel positioning, solar installations in this area can achieve consistent and efficient energy production throughout the year.

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 7 locations across Bhutan. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Bhutan by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Phuntsholing

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 26.8481, Longitude: 89.3871 (Phuntsholing, Bhutan), 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 26° South in Phuntsholing, Bhutan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Phuntsholing, Bhutan (Lat/Long 26.8481, 89.3871) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 26° 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 Phuntsholing, Bhutan

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 Phuntsholing, Bhutan. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 26° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
11° South in Summer	32° South in Autumn	42° South in Winter	21° 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 Phuntsholing, Bhutan

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 Phuntsholing, Bhutan.

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 Phuntsholing, Bhutan

The topography around Phuntsholing, Bhutan is characterized by a diverse and dramatic landscape. Phuntsholing itself is situated in a relatively flat area near the foothills of the Himalayas, close to the border with India. The town lies at an elevation of about 300 meters (980 feet) above sea level.

As you move north from Phuntsholing, the terrain quickly becomes more mountainous. The southern edge of the Bhutanese Himalayas rises steeply, with forested slopes and deep valleys. These mountains are part of the Sub-Himalayan range, also known as the Siwalik Hills or Churia Hills. The elevation increases rapidly as you travel further north, reaching heights of over 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) within just a few kilometers of the town.

To the south of Phuntsholing, the landscape transitions into the flat and fertile plains of the Dooars region, which extends into India. This area is characterized by lush vegetation, tea gardens, and numerous rivers and streams that flow down from the mountains.

Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the plains to the south of Phuntsholing offer the most promising potential. These areas have several advantages for solar energy production:

1. Flat terrain: The level ground of the plains makes it easier and more cost-effective to install large arrays of solar panels.
2. Open spaces: There are likely to be larger, unobstructed areas available for solar farms compared to the mountainous regions.
3. Accessibility: The flatter terrain and proximity to Phuntsholing make these areas more accessible for construction and maintenance of solar installations.
4. Lower elevation: The plains experience less cloud cover and fog compared to higher elevations, potentially allowing for more consistent solar exposure.

However, it's important to note that the specific suitability of any site for solar PV would require detailed assessments of factors such as local climate conditions, land availability, grid connectivity, and environmental considerations. Additionally, while the mountainous areas to the north may be less ideal for large-scale installations, they could still be suitable for smaller, distributed solar projects to serve remote communities.

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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.