Banlung, Ratanakiri, Cambodia, situated at latitude 13.7392 and longitude 106.987, presents a favorable location for solar energy production throughout the year. This tropical setting benefits from consistent sunlight, with seasons primarily distinguished by wet and dry periods rather than temperature fluctuations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar panel performance in Banlung varies slightly across the seasons: Spring sees the highest energy output at 6.35 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Summer and winter follow closely, producing 5.82 kWh/day and 5.79 kWh/day, respectively. Autumn experiences a slight dip, generating 5.01 kWh/day. These figures indicate that Banlung maintains strong solar potential year-round, with spring being the most productive season. The relatively small variation between seasons suggests a stable and reliable solar energy source throughout the year.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Banlung, Ratanakiri, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 13 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated based on the location's latitude and accounts for the Earth's elliptical orbit and daily solar elevation angles.

Environmental Considerations

While Banlung's tropical climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider: 1. Rainfall: The region experiences a wet season, typically from May to October. Heavy rains can temporarily reduce solar panel efficiency and may require more frequent cleaning. 2. Cloud cover: Increased cloud cover during the wet season can impact solar energy generation. To mitigate these factors, consider the following preventative measures: - Install panels at the optimal angle to maximize exposure and facilitate natural cleaning by rainwater. - Use high-quality, weather-resistant panels designed for tropical climates. - Implement a regular cleaning schedule, especially during and after the wet season. - Consider a slight oversizing of the solar system to compensate for reduced efficiency during cloudier periods. Overall, Banlung's location offers excellent potential for solar energy production, with consistent year-round performance and only minor seasonal variations to account for in system design and maintenance.

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

Link: Solar PV potential in Cambodia by location

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

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 13.7392, Longitude: 106.987 (Banlung, Cambodia), 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 13° South in Banlung, Cambodia

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Banlung, Cambodia (Lat/Long 13.7392, 106.987) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 13° 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 Banlung, Cambodia

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 Banlung, Cambodia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 13° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
2° North in Summer	20° South in Autumn	29° South in Winter	8° 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 Banlung, Cambodia

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 Banlung, Cambodia.

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 Banlung, Cambodia

The area around Banlung, Cambodia, is characterized by a diverse and varied landscape. Banlung itself is situated on a plateau in the northeastern part of the country, surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests. The terrain in this region is generally hilly and undulating, with elevations ranging from about 200 to 700 meters above sea level.

The topography of the area includes a mix of features. To the north and east of Banlung, the landscape becomes more rugged, with higher hills and some small mountains. These areas are often covered in dense tropical forests, which are part of the larger Virachey National Park. To the south and west, the terrain becomes slightly flatter, with gentler slopes and more open areas.

Numerous rivers and streams crisscross the region, carving valleys through the hilly terrain. These waterways, including the Srepok River, contribute to the area's lush vegetation and create picturesque waterfalls in some locations. The combination of hills, forests, and water bodies results in a visually striking and ecologically diverse landscape.

Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV installations, the most promising locations would likely be found to the south and west of Banlung. These areas tend to have more open, gently sloping terrain that could accommodate large solar arrays. The flatter topography in these directions would make construction and maintenance easier, while still providing good sun exposure.

Ideal sites for solar PV would be cleared areas or agricultural land with minimal tree cover, as this would reduce the need for deforestation. Additionally, locations near existing roads and power infrastructure would be advantageous for easier grid connection and maintenance access. However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar project would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, as the region is known for its rich biodiversity.

While the immediate vicinity of Banlung might have limited suitable areas due to its hilly nature and forest cover, exploring locations 10-30 kilometers away in the southern and western directions could yield more promising sites for solar PV development. These areas might offer a better balance of flat terrain, sun exposure, and proximity to infrastructure, while potentially having less impact on the region's valuable forest ecosystems.

Cambodia solar PV Stats as a country

Cambodia ranks 57th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 428 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Cambodia is generating 26 Watts from solar PV per capita (Cambodia ranks 62nd in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Cambodia?

Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Cambodia. The Cambodian government 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 invest in solar energy projects. Additionally, the government has established a Renewable Energy Fund which provides grants and loans to support renewable energy projects.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Cambodia? 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.