Chalisgaon, Maharashtra, India, situated in the tropics at latitude 20.4603 and longitude 75.0143, offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The consistent sunlight typical of tropical regions contributes to relatively stable solar energy production across seasons.

Solar panel performance in Chalisgaon demonstrates strong potential across all meteorological seasons. Spring stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 6.86 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Summer and autumn follow closely, yielding 4.96 kWh/day and 4.89 kWh/day, respectively. Even during winter, the least productive season, panels still generate a respectable 4.71 kWh/day.

Optimal Panel Positioning

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Chalisgaon, Maharashtra, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 19 degrees facing south. This optimal angle ensures the panels capture the most sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.

Environmental Considerations

While Chalisgaon's tropical climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider. The region experiences a monsoon season, typically from June to September, which can impact solar panel efficiency due to increased cloud cover and rainfall.

To mitigate the effects of the monsoon season, several preventative measures can be implemented during solar installation:

• Use high-quality, water-resistant solar panels and ensure proper sealing of all electrical components
• Install panels at a steeper angle to promote self-cleaning and prevent water accumulation
• Implement a robust cleaning and maintenance schedule to remove dust and debris, especially before and after the monsoon season

By addressing these environmental factors and optimizing panel placement, Chalisgaon can harness its substantial solar potential effectively, making it an ideal location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year.

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 Chalisgaon

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 20.4603, Longitude: 75.0143 (Chalisgaon, 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 Chalisgaon, India

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Chalisgaon, India (Lat/Long 20.4603, 75.0143) 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 Chalisgaon, 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 Chalisgaon, 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
4° South in Summer	26° South in Autumn	35° South in Winter	14° 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 Chalisgaon, 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 Chalisgaon, 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 Chalisgaon, India

The area surrounding Chalisgaon, India, located at 20.4603°N latitude and 75.0143°E longitude, is characterized by a diverse and varied topography. This region, situated in the state of Maharashtra, features a mix of flat plains, gently rolling hills, and occasional elevated areas. The landscape is primarily composed of agricultural land, interspersed with small patches of vegetation and scattered settlements. To the north and east of Chalisgaon, the terrain is relatively flat, with expansive agricultural fields stretching for miles. This area is part of the Deccan Plateau, known for its rich, black cotton soil that supports various crops. As one moves towards the south and west, the landscape becomes slightly more undulating, with low-lying hills and shallow valleys creating a subtle variation in elevation. The Girna River, a tributary of the Tapi River, flows to the north of Chalisgaon, carving a shallow valley through the otherwise level terrain. This river and its smaller tributaries have shaped the local topography over time, creating gentle slopes and occasional floodplains along their courses.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby Chalisgaon for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would be those that combine favorable topography with minimal environmental impact and good infrastructure access. The flat, open plains to the north and east of Chalisgaon present ideal conditions for solar PV development. These areas offer vast expanses of level ground, which simplifies construction and maximizes sun exposure throughout the day. The lack of significant geographical features means there are fewer obstacles to cast shadows on solar panels, ensuring optimal energy generation. Additionally, the gently rolling terrain to the south and west of Chalisgaon could also be suitable for solar PV installations. While these areas may require some minor land preparation, they still offer good potential for solar energy capture. The slight variations in elevation can actually be advantageous, as they allow for creative panel placement to maximize sun exposure and minimize shading effects. It's important to note that while the agricultural lands around Chalisgaon may seem ideal for solar development, careful consideration must be given to balancing energy production with food security. Therefore, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV would likely be non-arable or marginally productive lands that are not crucial for local agriculture. Areas near existing power infrastructure and transportation networks would also be preferable, as they would reduce the costs and environmental impact of connecting new solar installations to the grid. The proximity to Chalisgaon itself could be beneficial, as it provides a potential local market for the generated electricity and access to a workforce for construction and maintenance. In conclusion, the topography around Chalisgaon offers several promising locations for large-scale solar PV development, with the flat plains to the north and east being particularly well-suited. However, any such projects should be carefully planned to minimize their impact on local agriculture and ecosystems while maximizing their potential for clean energy production.

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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