Solar Energy Potential in Thma Pechr, Tboung Khmum, Cambodia

Thma Pechr, Tboung Khmum, Cambodia, located at 12.0291, 105.5913, offers promising conditions for solar energy generation throughout the year. This tropical location benefits from consistent sunlight patterns, with weather primarily divided between wet and dry seasons rather than the four traditional seasons experienced in temperate regions. The solar energy production potential in Thma Pechr demonstrates relatively stable output across the year. During spring months, solar panels can generate approximately 6.14kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity, representing the most productive period of the year. Summer follows closely with 6.09kWh/day, while winter produces a respectable 5.70kWh/day. Autumn shows the lowest output at 5.06kWh/day per kilowatt installed. For maximizing year-round solar energy production at this location, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 11 degrees facing South. This specific angle has been calculated to optimize annual energy capture based on the site's particular latitude and solar conditions.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several significant factors could impact solar production in Thma Pechr:

• Monsoon season: Cambodia experiences heavy rainfall during the wet season (typically May to October), which can reduce solar output through cloud cover and direct rain interference.
• Dust accumulation: The dry season brings increased dust and particulate matter that can coat panels and reduce efficiency.
• High humidity: Tropical humidity can cause condensation on panels, particularly during early morning hours.
• Potential flooding: Low-lying areas may experience seasonal flooding that could threaten ground-mounted systems.

Preventative Measures

To mitigate these challenges and optimize solar production in Thma Pechr, Tboung Khmum, several preventative measures are recommended: Installing panels with a slightly steeper angle than the optimal 11 degrees can help with natural cleaning during rainfall. Regular cleaning schedules should be implemented, particularly during the dry season when dust accumulation is highest. Elevated mounting systems can protect against potential flooding in vulnerable areas. Additionally, using high-quality inverters with wide operating ranges will help maintain efficiency during variable weather conditions. Considering microinverters or power optimizers can minimize production losses when partial shading occurs during cloudy monsoon periods. The relatively small seasonal variation in output (just over 1kWh/day difference between highest and lowest seasons) suggests that a well-designed solar system in Thma Pechr can provide reliable energy throughout the year, with proper maintenance and installation considerations.

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 Thma Pechr

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 12.0291, Longitude: 105.5913 (Thma Pechr, 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 Thma Pechr, Cambodia

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Thma Pechr, Cambodia (Lat/Long 12.0291, 105.5913) 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 Thma Pechr, 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 Thma Pechr, 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	28° South in Winter	6° 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 Thma Pechr, 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 Thma Pechr, 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 Thma Pechr, Cambodia

The landscape surrounding Thma Pechr, Cambodia is predominantly characterized by flat to gently undulating terrain, typical of Cambodia's central plains region. This area sits within the broader Tonle Sap Basin, with elevations generally ranging between 10-40 meters above sea level. The topography consists primarily of lowland plains that gradually transition to slightly more elevated areas to the north and east.

Terrain Features

The terrain around Thma Pechr features extensive agricultural land, primarily rice paddies that take advantage of the flat landscape. Scattered throughout are small patches of deciduous forests and scrubland. The area experiences seasonal flooding during the monsoon period, particularly in the lower-lying sections, while the slightly elevated areas remain dry year-round. Soil composition in this region typically consists of alluvial deposits, with clay-rich soils being common. These soils have been deposited over centuries by the seasonal flooding patterns of the region's waterways, including smaller tributaries that eventually connect to the Tonle Sap lake system to the northwest.

Hydrological Features

Several small seasonal streams and irrigation canals crisscross the landscape, supporting the agricultural activities prevalent in the area. During the dry season, many of these waterways recede significantly or dry up completely. The water table in this region fluctuates considerably between wet and dry seasons, which influences local land use patterns.

Potential Solar PV Development Areas

For large-scale solar photovoltaic development, the most suitable areas would be the slightly elevated terrain to the northeast and east of Thma Pechr. These locations offer several advantages: The elevated areas avoid seasonal flooding issues that affect lower-lying regions, ensuring year-round accessibility and reducing risks to infrastructure. These higher grounds also typically have better drainage characteristics, minimizing erosion concerns during the rainy season. The gently sloping terrain in these elevated areas provides natural advantages for solar panel placement, potentially reducing the need for extensive land grading. These locations also tend to have less agricultural productivity compared to the fertile lowlands, potentially reducing land-use conflicts. Areas approximately 5-10 kilometers east of Thma Pechr present particularly favorable conditions, where the landscape rises gradually and features more open, sparsely vegetated land. These locations would require minimal clearing and offer good potential for solar energy capture due to their unobstructed exposure. The northwestern areas, while also relatively flat, are less ideal due to their proximity to more intensively cultivated agricultural land and slightly higher risk of seasonal flooding. Southern regions, while suitable in terms of topography, may have more complex land ownership patterns and greater population density, potentially complicating large-scale development.

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.