Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, India, located at 19.279° N, 73.0604° E, offers a promising environment for solar energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the tropics, this location benefits from consistent sunlight and experiences seasons characterized more by wet and dry periods rather than traditional temperature-based seasons.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy potential in Bhiwandi varies across meteorological seasons:

• Spring: 6.97 kWh/day
• Winter: 5.09 kWh/day
• Autumn: 4.60 kWh/day
• Summer: 4.19 kWh/day

Spring emerges as the most productive season for solar energy generation, while summer shows the lowest output. This pattern is likely due to clearer skies and lower temperatures in spring, which enhance solar panel efficiency.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed panel installations in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 19 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.

Environmental Considerations

While Bhiwandi's tropical location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

1. Monsoon season: Heavy rainfall and cloud cover during the monsoon months (typically June to September) may reduce solar output. To mitigate this, ensure panels are installed at the optimal angle for water runoff and use high-quality, water-resistant components.
2. Dust and pollution: Bhiwandi's industrial nature may lead to increased dust and air pollution. Regular cleaning and maintenance of solar panels are crucial to maintain efficiency. Consider installing automated cleaning systems or dust-repellent coatings on panels.

By addressing these factors during installation and maintenance, solar energy systems in Bhiwandi can achieve optimal performance and longevity.

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 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 Bhiwandi

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 19.279, Longitude: 73.0604 (Bhiwandi, 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 19° South in Bhiwandi, India

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bhiwandi, India (Lat/Long 19.279, 73.0604) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 19° 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 Bhiwandi, 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 Bhiwandi, India. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 19° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
3° South in Summer	26° South in Autumn	34° South in Winter	13° 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 Bhiwandi, 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 Bhiwandi, India.

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 Bhiwandi, India

Bhiwandi, located in the western Indian state of Maharashtra, is situated in a region characterized by diverse topography. The area surrounding Bhiwandi features a mix of flat plains, gentle hills, and undulating terrain. To the west of the city, the landscape gradually slopes towards the Arabian Sea, while to the east, the terrain becomes more varied with the presence of small hills and elevated areas. The region around Bhiwandi is part of the Konkan coastal plain, which extends along the western coast of India. This coastal plain is relatively narrow near Bhiwandi, with the Western Ghats mountain range rising sharply to the east. The area between the coast and the mountains is marked by numerous streams and rivers that flow westward, creating a network of water bodies and fertile valleys.

Topographical Features

The immediate vicinity of Bhiwandi is predominantly flat, making it suitable for urban development and agriculture. However, as one moves away from the city center, the landscape becomes more varied. To the north and northeast, the terrain gradually rises, forming low hills and plateaus. These elevated areas are often covered with scrub vegetation and sparse forests. To the south and southeast of Bhiwandi, the land is generally flatter, with occasional gentle slopes. This area is characterized by agricultural fields, interspersed with small water bodies and patches of vegetation. The Ulhas River, which flows to the south of Bhiwandi, has shaped the local topography, creating a wide river valley with alluvial soil deposits.

Suitability for Solar PV

When considering areas near Bhiwandi for large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would be those that offer a combination of flat or gently sloping terrain, ample sunlight exposure, and minimal environmental impact. The areas to the south and southeast of Bhiwandi present promising opportunities for solar PV development. These regions feature relatively flat landscapes with fewer obstructions, allowing for optimal solar panel placement. The agricultural lands in this direction could potentially be repurposed or shared for solar energy production, provided proper land-use agreements are in place. Another potential area for solar PV installations lies to the north and northeast of Bhiwandi, where the terrain rises into low hills and plateaus. While these elevated areas may require some land preparation, they often receive excellent sun exposure and have fewer competing land uses. The slight inclination of these hillsides can also be advantageous for solar panel efficiency. It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to consider factors beyond topography, such as proximity to power grids, local regulations, and environmental impact assessments. Additionally, care should be taken to avoid ecologically sensitive areas or prime agricultural lands when selecting sites for solar energy development. In conclusion, the diverse topography around Bhiwandi offers several potential locations for large-scale solar PV installations. The flat plains to the south and southeast, as well as the gently elevated areas to the north and northeast, present the most promising opportunities for harnessing solar energy in this region of Maharashtra.

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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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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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.