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Flag of BhutanSolar PV Analysis of Tsirang, Bhutan

Graph of hourly avg kWh electricity output per kW of Solar PV installed in Tsirang, Bhutan (by season)

Tsirang, Bhutan, located in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 27.0243, 90.115, offers a promising environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location's seasonal solar output demonstrates consistent performance across all meteorological seasons, with only minor fluctuations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Spring emerges as the most productive season, yielding 4.72 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Autumn follows closely with 4.59 kWh/day, while summer generates 4.35 kWh/day. Winter, although slightly less productive, still maintains a respectable output of 4.07 kWh/day. This relatively balanced year-round performance suggests that Tsirang is well-suited for solar PV installations, offering steady energy production throughout the year.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed panel installations in Tsirang, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 26 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental Considerations

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

  1. Monsoon season: Bhutan experiences heavy rainfall during the summer monsoon (June to September), which could potentially reduce solar output due to increased cloud cover.
  2. Air pollution: Although not as severe as in more industrialized areas, occasional haze or dust in the air could slightly impact solar panel efficiency.

Preventative Measures

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

  • Install high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels that can withstand heavy rainfall and humidity.
  • Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove dust and debris, especially during drier periods.
  • Use microinverters 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 reduced output during the monsoon season.

In conclusion, Tsirang's location in Bhutan presents a favorable environment for year-round solar PV energy generation. With proper planning and preventative measures, solar installations in this area can provide consistent and reliable renewable energy 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 Tsirang

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 27.0243, Longitude: 90.115 (Tsirang, 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:

Summer
Average 4.35kWh/day in Summer.
Autumn
Average 4.59kWh/day in Autumn.
Winter
Average 4.07kWh/day in Winter.
Spring
Average 4.72kWh/day in Spring.

 

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 26° South in Tsirang, Bhutan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tsirang, Bhutan (Lat/Long 27.0243, 90.115) 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.

The sun
At Latitude: 27.0243, Longitude: 90.115, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 26° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Tsirang, 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 Tsirang, 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 33° South in Autumn 43° South in Winter 21° South in Spring

Assuming you can modify the tilt angle of your solar PV panels throughout the year, you can optimize your solar generation in Tsirang, Bhutan as follows: In Summer, set the angle of your panels to 11° facing South. In Autumn, tilt panels to 33° facing South for maximum generation. During Winter, adjust your solar panels to a 43° angle towards the South for optimal energy production. Lastly, in Spring, position your panels at a 21° angle facing South to capture the most solar energy in Tsirang, Bhutan.

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 Tsirang, 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 Tsirang, 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.






Please enter information above to calculate panel spacing.

Topography for solar PV around Tsirang, Bhutan

The topography around Tsirang, Bhutan is characterized by rugged, mountainous terrain typical of the southern Himalayan foothills. This region, known as the Inner Himalayas or the Lesser Himalayas, features steep slopes, deep valleys, and winding rivers. The elevation in the Tsirang area generally ranges from about 1,000 to 1,500 meters (3,300 to 4,900 feet) above sea level, though nearby peaks can reach much higher.

The landscape is dominated by dense subtropical forests, with some areas cleared for agriculture, particularly terraced rice fields on gentler slopes. The Punatsangchhu River, one of Bhutan's major waterways, flows through the region, carving out dramatic gorges and valleys. The terrain is often dissected by smaller streams and tributaries, creating a complex network of waterways and ridgelines.

When considering areas nearby that might be suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are several factors to consider. Ideal locations would have relatively flat or gently sloping land, good sun exposure, and be easily accessible for construction and maintenance. Given the mountainous nature of the region, such areas are limited but not impossible to find.

Some of the more promising locations for solar PV development near Tsirang might include:

  1. Wider valley floors, particularly along the Punatsangchhu River, where there might be larger flat areas.
  2. South-facing slopes with gentler gradients, which would receive more direct sunlight throughout the day.
  3. Existing cleared areas or agricultural land that is less productive, as these would require less forest clearance.
  4. Plateau areas or wider ridgetops, if any exist in the vicinity, as these could provide larger flat surfaces at higher elevations with good sun exposure.

It's important to note that while these areas might be topographically suitable, other factors such as land ownership, environmental considerations, and proximity to the electrical grid would also play crucial roles in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar PV projects. Additionally, the mountainous terrain could potentially cause shading issues, which would need to be carefully evaluated when selecting specific sites.

Citation Guide

Article Details for Citation

Article: Solar PV Analysis of Tsirang, Bhutan
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 27th of August 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025

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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.

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