Solar PV Analysis of Darbhanga, India
Darbhanga, Bihar, India, located in the Northern Sub Tropics at latitude 26.1486 and longitude 85.8973, offers a promising environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location's potential for solar energy production varies across seasons, with some periods being more favorable than others.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Spring stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Darbhanga, Bihar, with an impressive output of 5.93 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Summer and autumn follow closely, generating 4.64 kWh/day and 4.60 kWh/day respectively. Winter sees a slight dip in production, with 3.61 kWh/day, but still maintains a respectable output.
The consistently high production across seasons indicates that Darbhanga is well-suited for year-round solar energy generation. However, the peak performance during spring suggests that this would be an ideal time for maintenance and optimization of solar installations to capitalize on the increased solar irradiance.
Optimal Panel Tilt
For fixed solar panel installations in Darbhanga, Bihar, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 24 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated taking into account the location's latitude, daily solar elevation angles, and weighted by NASA's solar irradiance data to ensure optimal performance throughout the year.
Environmental Considerations
While Darbhanga's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Monsoon season: Heavy rainfall and cloud cover during the monsoon months (typically June to September) may temporarily reduce solar output.
- Dust and pollution: Being in a semi-urban area, dust accumulation on panels could impact efficiency over time.
To mitigate these factors, regular cleaning and maintenance of solar panels is essential, especially before and after the monsoon season. Installing panels at the recommended tilt angle will also help with natural cleaning during rainfall. Additionally, using high-quality, dust-resistant panels and implementing a robust cleaning schedule can help maintain optimal energy production throughout the year.
Overall, Darbhanga's location presents a very good opportunity for solar PV energy generation, with consistent output across seasons and particularly high potential during spring months. With proper installation and maintenance, solar energy systems in this area can provide a reliable and sustainable source of electricity year-round.
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 Darbhanga
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 26.1486, Longitude: 85.8973 (Darbhanga, 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 24° South in Darbhanga, India
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Darbhanga, India (Lat/Long 26.1486, 85.8973) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 24° 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 Darbhanga, 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 Darbhanga, India. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 24° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10° South in Summer | 32° South in Autumn | 41° South in Winter | 20° 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 Darbhanga, 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 Darbhanga, 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 Darbhanga, India
The topography around Darbhanga, India, is predominantly flat and low-lying. This area is part of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, a vast and fertile region that stretches across northern India. The landscape is characterized by expansive agricultural fields, interspersed with small villages and occasional patches of vegetation.
The terrain in and around Darbhanga is very gentle, with minimal elevation changes. The average elevation of the city is approximately 52 meters (171 feet) above sea level. This flat topography extends for many kilometers in all directions, creating a vast, open landscape that is typical of the Gangetic plains.
The region is crisscrossed by numerous rivers and streams, including the Bagmati, Kamla, and Kosi rivers. These waterways have shaped the local geography over time, depositing rich alluvial soil that contributes to the area's agricultural productivity. During the monsoon season, some low-lying areas may experience flooding due to the flat terrain and proximity to these rivers.
Regarding large-scale solar PV installations, the areas surrounding Darbhanga offer several advantageous features. The flat terrain is particularly well-suited for solar farms, as it minimizes the need for extensive land preparation and allows for efficient layout of solar panels. The open, unobstructed landscape also ensures maximum exposure to sunlight throughout the day.
The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV projects would likely be found in the rural outskirts of Darbhanga, where there is ample open land. Agricultural areas that are less productive or fallow fields could be ideal candidates for solar development. Regions to the north and east of the city, where there is less urban development, might offer larger contiguous plots of land suitable for extensive solar installations.
However, it's important to consider factors beyond just topography when selecting sites for solar PV projects. These include proximity to electrical infrastructure for grid connection, local land use regulations, and the potential impact on agricultural activities. Additionally, areas prone to flooding during the monsoon season should be carefully evaluated to ensure the long-term viability and safety of any 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: Wednesday 25th of September 2024
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.
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Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
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