Solar PV Analysis of Bandung, Indonesia
The location in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia is quite suitable for solar energy production all year round. This is because it's located in the Tropics where sunlight is consistent throughout most of the year. The seasons there are more characterized by wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature changes.
In terms of how much energy you could expect to generate from a solar panel system installed there, it varies slightly across seasons. In Summer, you could expect about 4.57 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for each kilowatt (kW) of solar panels installed. In Autumn and Winter, this figure increases to 5.48 kWh/day and 5.28 kWh/day respectively, while Spring offers the highest output at around 5.60 kWh/day per kW of installed solar.
This means that while you can generate energy from your solar panels throughout the year in Bandung, West Java, the best times would be during Autumn, Winter and Spring when daily energy generation is above average.
If you're installing fixed panel installations at this location, tilting them at an angle of 8 degrees towards North would help maximize total yearly production from your solar system.
However, there might be some local factors that could potentially impede optimal solar production at this location such as weather conditions like heavy rainfall or cloud cover during the wet season which can reduce sunlight exposure on your panels; topographical features like mountains or tall buildings that may cast shadows on your system; environmental issues like dust or bird droppings that may dirty your panels reducing their efficiency; or even local regulations limiting installation options.
To mitigate these potential issues:
- Regular cleaning and maintenance will help ensure dirt or bird droppings do not accumulate on your panels.
- If possible choose a site with minimal obstructions to sunlight exposure.
- Installations should comply with local regulations to avoid any legal complications.
Overall though given its tropical climate with consistent sunlight throughout most of the year, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia is a pretty good location for generating energy via solar panels.
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 151 locations across Indonesia. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Indonesia by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Bandung
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -6.9217, Longitude: 107.6071 (Bandung, Indonesia), 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 8° North in Bandung, Indonesia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bandung, Indonesia (Lat/Long -6.9217, 107.6071) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 8° North 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 Bandung, Indonesia
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 Bandung, Indonesia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 8° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9° South in Summer | 13° North in Autumn | 22° North in Winter | 1° North 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 Bandung, Indonesia
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 Bandung, Indonesia.
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 Bandung, Indonesia
Bandung, Indonesia is located in the Parahyangan highlands of West Java. The topography of the area is characterized by a mix of mountains, hills, and valleys. It's surrounded by up to 2,000 meters high volcanic mountains which include Tangkuban Perahu to the north and Mount Wayang in the west.
In terms of solar PV suitability, areas that are flat or gently sloping would be most suitable as they provide maximum exposure to sunlight and ease installation process. However, considering Bandung's mountainous topography these places might be limited.
Moreover, Bandung has a tropical climate with significant rainfall throughout the year which might affect solar radiation levels negatively. Therefore it would also be important to consider areas that receive plenty of sunlight throughout the year.
Areas around Bandung with flatter terrains like Majalaya and Dayeuhkolot towards south could potentially be suited for large-scale solar PV installations although detailed feasibility study including factors like annual sunshine hours should be conducted.
Also it's worth noting that Indonesia has been developing floating solar power plants on reservoirs (like Cirata Reservoir in West Java), which could also present an alternative solution for large-scale solar PV installations without being constrained by land availability or terrain conditions.
However, a comprehensive site assessment would need to be carried out before any definitive conclusions can be drawn about specific locations' suitability for large-scale solar PV installations.
Indonesia solar PV Stats as a country
Indonesia ranks 71st in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 211 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Indonesia is generating 1 Watts from solar PV per capita (Indonesia ranks 88th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Indonesia?
Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Indonesia. The Indonesian government has implemented a number of policies and programs to encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar power. These include tax exemptions, subsidies, feed-in tariffs, and other financial incentives. Additionally, the government has established a Renewable Energy Fund which provides grants for research and development projects related to renewable energy technologies.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Indonesia? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Friday 29th of December 2023
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.
