Solar PV Analysis of Siliguri, India
Siliguri, West Bengal, India, situated in the Northern Sub Tropics, has a good potential for year-round solar energy production. The amount of electricity that can be generated from each kilowatt of installed solar panels varies by season. In summer, you can expect about 4.13 kilowatt-hours per day; in autumn, it increases to 4.53 kilowatt-hours per day; in winter it decreases slightly to 3.73 kilowatt-hours per day; and in spring it peaks at 5.44 kilowatt-hours per day.
The best time of year for generating solar power at this location is during the spring when sunlight exposure is highest but temperatures are not as extreme as summer which could cause efficiency losses due to overheating of the panels.
To get the most out of your solar panel system throughout the year, you should install them at an angle facing towards South (26 degrees). This ensures optimal exposure to sunlight over different seasons.
However, there might be some local factors that could affect your solar production negatively like dust and pollution which may reduce sunlight reaching your panels or seasonal monsoons resulting in less sunshine days especially during rainy season (June-September).
To overcome these challenges:
1) Regularly clean your panels to remove any dust or debris.
2) If possible choose an installation site with minimal shade coverage.
3) Consider using advanced PV modules designed with better tolerance against high humidity and temperature conditions common during monsoon period.
4) Use tracking systems that adjust orientation of panels throughout the day for maximum sun exposure though they might increase initial costs but give better outputs.
In conclusion Siliguri has a conducive environment for harnessing solar energy effectively if proper measures are taken into consideration while installing and maintaining Solar PV systems.
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 Siliguri
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 26.7084, Longitude: 88.4318 (Siliguri, 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 26° South in Siliguri, India
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Siliguri, India (Lat/Long 26.7084, 88.4318) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 26° 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 Siliguri, 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 Siliguri, India. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 26° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11° South in Summer | 32° South in Autumn | 42° South in Winter | 21° 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 Siliguri, 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 Siliguri, 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 Siliguri, India
Siliguri, India is located in the foothills of the Himalayas and is surrounded by tea gardens. The area features a mix of flat lands, rolling hills, rivers and forests. It has a tropical climate with high humidity most of the year.
The region around Siliguri consists mainly of plains with some hilly or mountainous areas due to its proximity to the Himalayan range. The Mahananda River flows through this city providing it with fertile soil.
As for solar PV potential, large-scale solar projects require vast tracts of relatively flat land that receive ample sunlight throughout the year. In Siliguri's case, while there may be challenges due to monsoon rains and cloud cover during certain periods of the year, it still receives good amount sunlight making it possible for solar power generation.
Potential locations for large-scale solar PV installations could include unused or underutilized agricultural lands on the outskirts of Siliguri where there are fewer obstructions such as buildings or trees that could block sunlight. However, any decision should take into account factors like local land use regulations and environmental impacts.
Moreover, rooftop solar installations could also be an option within urban areas in Siliguri itself given India’s push towards achieving its ambitious renewable energy targets.
It would be advisable though to conduct a detailed feasibility study which includes aspects like irradiance levels (amounts of sunshine), availability and cost-effectiveness before deciding on specific sites for setting up such facilities.
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 3rd of June 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.
