Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India, situated at 23.8006°N, 86.4283°E in the Northern Sub Tropics, presents a promising location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The city experiences varying levels of solar energy production across different seasons, offering a consistent and reliable source of renewable energy.

Seasonal Solar Energy Production

Solar energy output in Dhanbad fluctuates across the four meteorological seasons. Spring stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 6.09 kWh/day per kW of installed solar capacity. Summer follows with 4.72 kWh/day, while autumn and winter see slightly lower outputs at 4.43 kWh/day and 4.13 kWh/day, respectively. The substantial energy production during spring makes it an ideal time for maximizing solar PV output. However, the relatively consistent performance across other seasons indicates that Dhanbad is well-suited for year-round solar energy generation.

Optimal Panel Tilt Angle

For fixed panel installations in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 22 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated taking into account the city's latitude, daily solar elevation angles, and weighted by daily PV potential using NASA's solar irradiance data.

Environmental and Weather Factors

While Dhanbad offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider: 1. Air pollution: Dhanbad is known for its coal mining industry, which can lead to increased air pollution. This may result in reduced solar panel efficiency due to particulate matter accumulation on panel surfaces. 2. Monsoon season: The region experiences a monsoon season, typically from June to September, which can lead to increased cloud cover and potentially reduced solar output during this period. To mitigate these factors, several preventative measures can be implemented:

• Regular cleaning: Establish a routine cleaning schedule for solar panels to remove dust and pollutants, ensuring optimal performance.
• Anti-soiling coatings: Apply specialized coatings to solar panels to reduce dust accumulation and make cleaning easier.
• Tilt angle adjustment: Consider adjusting panel tilt angles seasonally to maximize production during monsoon months.
• High-quality inverters: Use inverters designed to perform well in varying light conditions to maintain efficiency during cloudy periods.

By implementing these measures, solar PV installations in Dhanbad can maintain high levels of energy production throughout the year, making the most of the city's favorable solar conditions.

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 Dhanbad

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 23.8006, Longitude: 86.4283 (Dhanbad, 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 22° South in Dhanbad, India

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Dhanbad, India (Lat/Long 23.8006, 86.4283) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 22° 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 Dhanbad, 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 Dhanbad, India. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 22° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
8° South in Summer	29° South in Autumn	39° South in Winter	18° 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 Dhanbad, 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 Dhanbad, 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 Dhanbad, India

The topography around Dhanbad, India, is characterized by a mix of gently rolling hills, plateaus, and flat plains. This region, located in the eastern part of Jharkhand state, is part of the Chota Nagpur Plateau. The landscape is generally undulating, with elevations ranging from about 150 to 300 meters above sea level.

The area surrounding Dhanbad features a combination of urban development, agricultural land, and some forested patches. The city itself is situated in a relatively flat area, but as you move outward, the terrain becomes more varied. To the north and west, you'll find more hilly terrain, while the southern and eastern parts tend to be flatter.

Several rivers flow through the region, including the Damodar River to the north of Dhanbad. These water bodies have shaped the local topography over time, creating valleys and flood plains in some areas.

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, a few factors come into play:

1. The flat or gently sloping areas to the south and east of Dhanbad would be ideal for solar farms. These locations offer ample space and minimal shading from hills or mountains.
2. Agricultural lands that are less productive or fallow could be repurposed for solar installations, providing an economic boost to the region.
3. Areas with good road access would be preferable, as they facilitate the transportation of equipment and maintenance.
4. Locations away from densely forested areas would be more suitable to minimize environmental impact and avoid deforestation.

Some specific areas that might be well-suited for large-scale solar PV projects include:

• The plains stretching towards Bokaro Steel City to the southeast
• The relatively flat areas between Dhanbad and Asansol to the east
• Open spaces near Govindpur to the south of Dhanbad

It's important to note that while the topography is favorable in many areas around Dhanbad for solar PV installations, other factors such as land availability, local regulations, and grid connectivity would also need to be considered for any large-scale solar project.

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.