Solar PV Analysis of Palakkad, India
Palakkad, Kerala, India is a good location for generating solar power throughout the year due to its tropical climate, where sunlight is consistent for most of the year. The amount of energy that can be generated from solar panels installed in this location varies slightly with each season but remains relatively high all year round. In summer, you can expect about 4.92 kilowatt-hours per day for each kilowatt of solar power installed. This drops slightly to 4.54 in autumn before rising to 5.81 in winter and peaking at 6.22 in spring.
The best times of the year to generate solar energy at this location are during winter and spring when the output is highest. However, even during summer and autumn, the output is still considerable making it an ideal place for year-round solar energy generation.
For fixed panel installations at this location, tilting panels at an angle of 11 degrees South would maximise total production throughout the year.
There could be potential impediments to producing solar power such as environmental or topographical factors like heavy rainfall during monsoon seasons which could reduce sunlight exposure or mountainous terrain that might cast shadows on panels reducing their efficiency respectively.
Preventative measures include installing panels on elevated structures or rooftops where they are less likely to be affected by shadows from surrounding hills or buildings; using tracking systems that allow panels to follow the sun's path across the sky ensuring maximum exposure; regular maintenance checks and cleaning especially after heavy rains will also ensure your system operates efficiently.
In conclusion, Palakkad's consistent sunlight makes it a great place for generating renewable energy via PV (photovoltaic) systems all-year-round with slight adjustments needed depending on seasonal variations.
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 Palakkad
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 10.7739, Longitude: 76.6487 (Palakkad, 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 Palakkad, India
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Palakkad, India (Lat/Long 10.7739, 76.6487) 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 Palakkad, 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 Palakkad, 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 Palakkad, 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 Palakkad, 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 Palakkad, India
Palakkad, India is located in the south-western part of the country and is known for its hilly terrain with a mix of forests, mountains, valleys and rivers. The region has a tropical wet and dry climate with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C.
The Palakkad Gap, a low mountain pass in the Western Ghats, allows easier access to the region compared to other parts of the Western Ghats. This gap also influences local wind patterns and rainfall distribution.
For large-scale solar PV installations, areas with high solar irradiation and relatively flat terrains are preferred. In Palakkad district, areas around Chittur-Tattamangalam town (located east of Palakkad city) might be suitable as it receives good sunlight throughout the year and has relatively flat terrain. Other potential areas could be near Kollengode or Nenmara towns which have open spaces that receive ample sunlight.
However, before setting up large-scale solar projects one must consider factors like land availability & cost, proximity to transmission lines or substations for power evacuation & grid connectivity etc., along with environmental impact assessments. A detailed feasibility study would be required for accurate site selection.
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: Saturday 20th of January 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.
