Solar PV Analysis of Malappuram, India
Malappuram, Kerala, India, is a good location for generating solar energy throughout the year due to its tropical climate with consistent sunlight. The amount of electricity that can be produced from each kilowatt of installed solar panels varies by season. In summer and autumn, you can expect around 4.76 and 4.37 kilowatt-hours per day respectively. This increases in winter and spring to around 5.61 and 6.32 kilowatt-hours per day respectively.
The best time of year for solar energy production would be during spring when the output is at its highest; however, all seasons provide adequate amounts for effective generation.
For optimal performance from your solar panels in Malappuram, Kerala, they should be installed at an angle tilted towards south by about 11 degrees as this will maximize their exposure to the sun throughout the year.
However, there could be local factors that may affect the efficiency of your solar panels like heavy rainfall or dust accumulation which are common in wet seasons or drier conditions respectively – these could reduce the amount of sunlight reaching your panels hence reducing their output.
To mitigate these issues:
1) Regular cleaning: Dust and dirt on panel surfaces can block sunlight so regular cleaning especially during dry periods will help maintain maximum efficiency.
2) Waterproofing: Ensuring proper waterproofing measures are taken during installation will protect against potential damage caused by heavy rainfalls.
3) Good Installation Practices: Installing them at an optimal height where they are less likely to get shaded or covered can also contribute significantly towards maintaining high levels of productivity all through the year.
So overall, while there might be minor challenges related to weather conditions - none are significant enough to negate Malappuram's suitability as a great location for installing solar PV systems given its abundant sunshine availability across all seasons!
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 Malappuram
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 11.0808, Longitude: 76.0702 (Malappuram, 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 11° South in Malappuram, India
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Malappuram, India (Lat/Long 11.0808, 76.0702) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 11° 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 Malappuram, 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 Malappuram, India. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 11° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5° North in Summer | 16° South in Autumn | 26° South in Winter | 5° 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 Malappuram, 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 Malappuram, 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 Malappuram, India
Malappuram, located in the southern state of Kerala in India, is characterized by a diverse topography. It features rolling hills and valleys, along with coastal plains and forests. The region is situated on the Deccan Plateau and has an average elevation of about 54 meters above sea level.
The climate in Malappuram is tropical monsoon, with high levels of humidity and substantial rainfall throughout the year. However, it also receives good sunshine for most parts of the year which makes it suitable for solar PV installations.
For large-scale solar PV installations, areas with flat terrain would be ideal to allow easy installation and maintenance. In this context:
1) Coastal plains around Ponnani could be suitable due to their relatively flat topography.
2) Areas around Nilambur could also be considered as they receive ample sunlight.
3) The northern part near Kondotty has some flat areas that could potentially house large scale solar farms.
However, any plan for large-scale solar installation would need to consider factors such as land availability, land use regulations, environmental impact assessments etc., which are beyond just geographical suitability.
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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Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 11th of March 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.
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.
