Bengkulu, Indonesia, located at latitude -3.8121 and longitude 102.2744, presents a favorable environment for solar energy generation throughout the year. This tropical location benefits from consistent sunlight, with minimal seasonal variations in solar intensity.

Year-round Solar Performance

The solar energy output at this location remains relatively stable across all seasons, with only slight fluctuations: Spring: 5.48 kWh/day Summer: 5.27 kWh/day Autumn: 5.20 kWh/day Winter: 5.17 kWh/day These figures represent the expected daily electricity output per kilowatt of installed solar capacity. The consistency in output demonstrates the location's suitability for solar energy production throughout the year.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed solar panel installations in Bengkulu, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 4 degrees North. This slight tilt helps optimize solar absorption by accounting for the location's proximity to the equator and the sun's position throughout the year.

Environmental Considerations

While Bengkulu's tropical climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider: 1. High humidity: The tropical climate can lead to increased moisture, potentially affecting solar panel efficiency. Using high-quality, moisture-resistant panels and ensuring proper sealing during installation can mitigate this issue. 2. Heavy rainfall: Bengkulu experiences significant rainfall, especially during the wet season. Implementing an effective cleaning system and ensuring proper drainage around the solar installation can help maintain optimal performance. 3. Potential for tropical storms: The region may be susceptible to severe weather events. Robust mounting systems and regular maintenance checks can help protect the solar installation from damage during storms. By addressing these factors during the planning and installation phases, solar energy systems in Bengkulu can be optimized for long-term performance and reliability, taking full advantage of the location's consistent solar resource throughout the year.

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 Bengkulu

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -3.8121, Longitude: 102.2744 (Bengkulu, 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 4° North in Bengkulu, Indonesia

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bengkulu, Indonesia (Lat/Long -3.8121, 102.2744) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 4° 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 Bengkulu, 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 Bengkulu, Indonesia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 4° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
12° South in Summer	10° North in Autumn	20° North in Winter	2° 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 Bengkulu, 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 Bengkulu, Indonesia.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Bengkulu, Indonesia

The topography around Bengkulu, Indonesia, is diverse and characterized by a combination of coastal plains, rolling hills, and mountainous terrain. Bengkulu is situated on the western coast of Sumatra, facing the Indian Ocean. The city itself is primarily located on a narrow strip of flat coastal land, which gradually rises into hilly areas as you move inland. To the east of Bengkulu, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged, with the Bukit Barisan mountain range dominating the horizon. This mountain range runs along the spine of Sumatra and includes several active and dormant volcanoes. The slopes of these mountains are often covered in lush tropical rainforests, creating a stark contrast to the coastal areas.

Coastal Plains

The immediate vicinity of Bengkulu features relatively flat coastal plains. These areas are characterized by sandy beaches, estuaries, and low-lying agricultural land. The coastal plains extend for several kilometers inland before transitioning into more elevated terrain.

Hilly Regions

As you move away from the coast, the landscape gradually becomes more undulating, with gentle hills and valleys. These areas are often used for agriculture, particularly for growing crops like coffee, rubber, and various tropical fruits.

Mountainous Areas

Further inland, the terrain becomes increasingly mountainous, with steep slopes and deep valleys. The Bukit Barisan range includes peaks that reach heights of over 2,000 meters above sea level. These mountains play a significant role in shaping the local climate and hydrology.

Potential for Solar PV

When considering areas suitable for large-scale solar PV installations near Bengkulu, the coastal plains and gently rolling hills offer the most promise. These regions provide several advantages for solar energy development: 1. Ample flat or gently sloping land, which is ideal for the installation of solar panels. 2. Proximity to existing infrastructure and population centers, reducing transmission costs. 3. Generally clearer skies compared to the mountainous regions, which often experience more cloud cover and rainfall. The areas immediately surrounding Bengkulu city, extending several kilometers inland, would likely be the most suitable for large-scale solar PV projects. These locations offer a balance between available land, solar resource potential, and accessibility. However, it's important to note that the high humidity and occasional tropical storms in the region may pose challenges for solar PV installations. Careful planning and appropriate technology selection would be necessary to ensure the longevity and efficiency of any large-scale solar projects in this area.

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!

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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.