Solar PV Analysis of Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh, Cambodia (latitude: 11.5583, longitude: 104.9121) is a suitable location for generating solar power throughout the year, with average daily energy production per kW of installed solar capacity being 5.84 kWh in Summer, 5.00 kWh in Autumn, 5.82 kWh in Winter, and 6.14 kWh in Spring. The city's proximity to the equator results in consistent sunlight exposure across all seasons, characterized more by wet and dry periods rather than distinct winter or summer weather patterns.
The ideal angle for fixed panel installations at this location is an 11-degree tilt towards the South to maximize energy production efficiency without using tracking systems.
Despite its suitability for solar power generation, Phnom Penh may face some challenges due to local environmental factors such as heavy rain or strong winds that could reduce sunlight availability on certain days or over extended periods of time. Dust storms can also impact system efficiency by limiting light reaching photovoltaic cells during these events.
To mitigate these potential issues and ensure greater energy production from solar installations in Phnom Penh, it is essential to consider preventative measures such as installing durable panels capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions and regularly cleaning them to remove dust buildup that could hinder their performance.
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 Phnom Penh
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 11.5583, Longitude: 104.9121 (Phnom Penh, 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 11° South in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Lat/Long 11.5583, 104.9121) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 11° 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 Phnom Penh, 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 Phnom Penh, Cambodia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 11° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4° North in Summer | 18° South in Autumn | 27° South in Winter | 5° 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 Phnom Penh, 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 Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Our calculation method
- Solar Position:
We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination. - Shadow Projection:
We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle. - 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 Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The topography around Phnom Penh, Cambodia is generally flat. The surrounding area is mostly composed of low-lying plains and rolling hills. Areas to the east and south of the city are particularly well suited for large scale solar PV installations due to their relatively flat terrain and ample sunshine. Additionally, there are several open spaces in these areas that could be used for solar farms.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 16th of August 2022
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.
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.
