Solar PV Analysis of Maharashtra, India
In Maharashtra, India (latitude: 19.5, longitude: 76), the average solar energy production per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity varies across different seasons. During summer, the average output is 4.95 kWh/day/kW, while in autumn and winter it slightly decreases to 4.91 kWh/day/kW and 4.88 kWh/day/kW respectively. However, spring witnesses a significant increase in solar generation with an average of 6.71 kWh/day/kW due to higher sun exposure.
For a fixed panel installation at this location, the ideal tilt angle is set at 18 degrees facing south to maximize energy production throughout the year.
Maharashtra's geographic location makes it suitable for generating solar power year-round as it receives ample sunlight during most months of the year. However, certain factors such as monsoon season and local weather conditions could potentially impede solar production in this region.
During monsoon season (June-September), heavy rainfall and cloud cover may lead to reduced sunlight availability which can affect overall energy generation from solar panels. To mitigate this issue, proper maintenance of panels by regularly cleaning them during these periods can help ensure optimal performance.
Furthermore, local topography such as surrounding hills or tall buildings may cause shading on the panels that could reduce their efficiency in generating electricity from sunlight; therefore site selection should be carefully considered before installation.
In conclusion, Maharashtra has great potential for harnessing solar power throughout most of the year due to its favorable geographic location and abundant sunshine; however certain factors like monsoons or local topography should be taken into account when planning installations so that they can achieve maximum efficiency and productivity even under challenging conditions.
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 103 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
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Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Maharashtra
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 19.5, Longitude: 76 (Maharashtra, 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 18° South in Maharashtra, India
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Maharashtra, India (Lat/Long 19.5, 76) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 18° 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 Maharashtra, 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 Maharashtra, India. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 18° 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 | 35° 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.
Topography for solar PV around Maharashtra, India
Maharashtra, India is located in the western part of the Deccan Plateau region. The topography around Maharashtra includes rolling hills, plateaus, and flat plains. The area has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. Areas close to Maharashtra that would be most suitable for large-scale solar PV include the flat plains of Marathwada and Vidarbha regions as well as areas near the coast where there is plenty of open space and direct sunlight.
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.
Helping you assess viability of solar PV for your site
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.
