Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu, India, located at 11.7342° N, 78.9566° E, offers a promising environment for solar energy generation throughout the year. This tropical location benefits from consistent sunlight, with seasons primarily defined by wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature variations.

Seasonal Solar Production

Solar energy production in Kallakurichi varies across seasons, with spring being the most productive period. The average daily electricity output per kilowatt of installed solar capacity for each season is as follows: • Spring: 6.85 kWh/day • Summer: 5.72 kWh/day • Winter: 5.28 kWh/day • Autumn: 4.67 kWh/day Spring stands out as the ideal time for solar energy generation, likely due to clearer skies and optimal sun angles. Summer and winter also show strong performance, while autumn sees a slight dip in production.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed solar panel installations in Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 10 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated considering the location's latitude, daily solar elevation angles, and weighted by NASA's solar irradiance data.

Environmental Factors

While Kallakurichi's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider: 1. Monsoon season: The region experiences heavy rainfall during the northeast monsoon (October to December), which could temporarily reduce solar output due to cloud cover and rainfall. 2. Dust and pollution: As an urban area, Kallakurichi may face issues with dust and air pollution, which can accumulate on solar panels and reduce their efficiency. To mitigate these factors, consider implementing the following measures: • Install a robust cleaning system or schedule regular manual cleaning to remove dust and debris from panels. • Use high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels that can withstand heavy rainfall and humidity. • Implement a slight increase in panel tilt during the monsoon season to aid in natural cleaning by rainwater. Overall, Kallakurichi's location provides excellent potential for year-round solar energy generation, with only minor challenges that can be effectively managed through proper installation and maintenance practices.

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 Kallakurichi

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 11.7342, Longitude: 78.9566 (Kallakurichi, 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 10° South in Kallakurichi, India

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kallakurichi, India (Lat/Long 11.7342, 78.9566) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 10° 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 Kallakurichi, 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 Kallakurichi, India. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 10° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
4° North in Summer	16° South in Autumn	27° South in Winter	6° 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 Kallakurichi, 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 Kallakurichi, 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 Kallakurichi, India

Kallakurichi, located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is situated in a region characterized by diverse topography. The landscape surrounding this town is a mix of gently rolling plains, scattered hills, and fertile agricultural lands. The area is part of the Eastern Ghats, a discontinuous chain of low mountain ranges that run parallel to India's eastern coast. To the west of Kallakurichi, the terrain gradually rises, forming small hills and elevated plateaus. These hills are often covered with scrub vegetation and sparse forests. As one moves eastward from the town, the land becomes flatter, transitioning into expansive plains that stretch towards the Bay of Bengal. The region is crisscrossed by several small rivers and streams, which have carved shallow valleys and created alluvial plains. These water bodies, including the Gomuki River, play a crucial role in shaping the local topography and supporting agriculture in the area.

Suitable Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Kallakurichi, several factors come into play. The most suitable areas would be those that offer ample sunlight exposure, relatively flat terrain, and minimal environmental impact. The plains to the east and southeast of Kallakurichi present promising opportunities for solar PV development. These areas benefit from consistent sunlight throughout the year and have fewer geographical obstacles that could cast shadows or impede construction. The flat terrain in these regions would also simplify the installation process and reduce costs associated with land preparation. Additionally, some of the gently sloping areas to the west, where hills transition into plains, could be potential sites for solar farms. These locations might offer the advantage of slightly elevated positions, potentially increasing sun exposure and reducing the risk of flooding during monsoon seasons. It's important to note that while selecting sites for solar PV installations, care should be taken to avoid prime agricultural lands and ecologically sensitive areas. The ideal locations would be those that balance optimal solar conditions with minimal disruption to local ecosystems and livelihoods. Any large-scale solar project in the region would need to consider factors such as proximity to power grids, accessibility for construction and maintenance, and local regulations. Consulting with environmental experts and engaging with local communities would be crucial steps in identifying the most suitable and sustainable locations for solar PV development around Kallakurichi.

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.