Solar PV Analysis of Aligarh, India
Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India, situated at coordinates 27.8796° N, 78.0762° E, offers a promising location for solar energy generation through photovoltaic (PV) systems. Located in the Northern Sub Tropics, this region experiences varying levels of solar potential throughout the year.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy output in Aligarh fluctuates across the four meteorological seasons. Spring emerges as the most productive period, with an impressive daily yield of 6.72 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Summer follows closely, generating 5.49 kWh/day, while autumn sees a slight decrease to 4.62 kWh/day. Winter experiences the lowest output at 3.62 kWh/day, yet still maintains a reasonable level of energy production.
Optimal Installation Angle
For fixed panel installations in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 25 degrees facing South. This angle has been carefully calculated to account for the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude, ensuring optimal exposure to sunlight throughout the year.
Peak Generation Periods
The most favorable times for solar energy generation in Aligarh are during spring and summer. These seasons offer longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight, resulting in higher energy yields. However, it's worth noting that even during the less productive winter months, the region still receives sufficient sunlight to generate a meaningful amount of solar energy.
Environmental Considerations
While Aligarh generally presents favorable conditions for solar PV systems, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Dust and air pollution: Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, like many North Indian cities, can experience high levels of air pollution and dust, particularly during the dry seasons. These particles can accumulate on solar panels, reducing their efficiency.
- Monsoon season: The region experiences a monsoon season, which can lead to increased cloud cover and potential damage from heavy rains or strong winds.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these challenges and ensure optimal solar energy production, several preventative measures can be implemented:
- Regular cleaning: Establish a routine cleaning schedule for the solar panels to remove dust and pollutants, maintaining their efficiency.
- Robust mounting systems: Use sturdy, wind-resistant mounting structures to protect panels during severe weather events.
- Water-resistant components: Ensure all electrical components are properly sealed and water-resistant to withstand heavy rains during the monsoon season.
By addressing these factors and implementing appropriate measures, Aligarh can effectively harness its substantial solar potential, making it a viable location for solar PV 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 422 locations across India. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in India by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Aligarh
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 27.8796, Longitude: 78.0762 (Aligarh, India), 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 25° South in Aligarh, India
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Aligarh, India (Lat/Long 27.8796, 78.0762) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 25° 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 Aligarh, India
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 Aligarh, India. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 25° 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 | 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 Aligarh, India
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 Aligarh, India.
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 Aligarh, India
The area around Aligarh, India, is characterized by a relatively flat and uniform topography. This region is part of the vast Indo-Gangetic Plain, which stretches across much of northern India. The landscape is predominantly composed of level or gently undulating terrain, with very few significant hills or elevated areas.
The elevation of Aligarh and its surrounding areas is generally low, averaging around 178 meters (584 feet) above sea level. This flat topography is a result of centuries of sediment deposition from the Ganges and Yamuna rivers and their tributaries. The area is primarily agricultural land, with numerous fields and scattered rural settlements dotting the landscape.
When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Aligarh, several factors come into play. The flat terrain of the region is generally favorable for solar PV development, as it minimizes the need for extensive land preparation and reduces shading issues. Areas to the south and west of Aligarh would likely be most suitable for solar PV projects due to their open spaces and minimal obstruction to sunlight.
Ideal locations for solar PV installations would include:
- Unused agricultural lands or fallow fields that are not prime farmland
- Barren or semi-arid areas with minimal vegetation
- Flat, open spaces away from urban centers and residential areas
- Regions with good road access for construction and maintenance
It's important to note that while the topography is suitable, other factors such as land availability, proximity to power grids, and local regulations would also play crucial roles in determining the best locations for large-scale solar PV projects. Additionally, care should be taken to avoid ecologically sensitive areas or regions prone to flooding, which could impact the long-term viability of solar installations.
India solar PV Stats as a country
India ranks 5th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 49,684 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 6.50% of India's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 11th in the world). Each year India is generating 36 Watts from solar PV per capita (India ranks 56th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in India?
Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in India. These include:
1. Capital Subsidy: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) provides a capital subsidy of up to 30% on the cost of installing solar power systems for commercial and industrial establishments.
2. Accelerated Depreciation: Businesses can avail accelerated depreciation benefits under Section 32 of the Income Tax Act, 1961, which allows them to claim tax deductions on investments made in solar projects over a period of five years instead of claiming it all at once.
3. Net Metering: This policy allows businesses to sell excess electricity generated from their rooftop solar system back into the grid at retail rates, thus reducing their electricity bills significantly.
4. Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC): Businesses can earn SRECs by generating renewable energy through their rooftop solar systems and then selling these certificates in the open market or trading platforms like IEX or PXIL at predetermined prices set by state regulatory commissions.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in India? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 20th of August 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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Compare this location to others worldwide for solar PV potential
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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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Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
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