Solar PV Analysis of Klaten, Indonesia
Klaten, Central Java, Indonesia, located at latitude -7.7049 and longitude 110.6019, presents a favorable environment for solar energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the tropics, this region experiences consistent sunlight and is characterized by wet and dry seasons rather than traditional meteorological seasons.
The solar energy potential in Klaten is remarkably stable across the year, with only slight variations between seasons. The expected daily electricity output per kilowatt of installed solar capacity ranges from 4.94 kWh in summer to 5.73 kWh in spring. Autumn and winter also show strong performance, with 5.57 kWh and 5.52 kWh respectively.
Spring emerges as the most productive season for solar energy generation in Klaten, Central Java, closely followed by autumn and winter. Even the summer months, despite showing slightly lower output, still provide substantial energy production. This consistency makes Klaten an excellent location for year-round solar power generation.
Optimal Panel Tilt
For fixed solar panel installations in Klaten, Central Java, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 8 degrees facing North. This angle has been calculated taking into account the location's latitude, the Earth's elliptical orbit, and daily solar elevation angles, weighted by the potential daily photovoltaic output.
Environmental Considerations
While Klaten's tropical climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider:
- High humidity and rainfall during the wet season
- Potential for volcanic ash due to nearby active volcanoes
To mitigate these factors, it's recommended to use high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels and to implement regular cleaning schedules. Installing panels at the optimal tilt angle will also help with natural cleaning during rainfall. Additionally, a robust mounting system should be used to protect against potential ash accumulation or extreme weather events.
Overall, Klaten's location offers excellent potential for solar energy generation throughout the year, with only minor seasonal variations and manageable environmental challenges.
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 Klaten
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -7.7049, Longitude: 110.6019 (Klaten, 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 Klaten, Indonesia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Klaten, Indonesia (Lat/Long -7.7049, 110.6019) 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 Klaten, 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 Klaten, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8° South in Summer | 14° North in Autumn | 23° North in Winter | 2° 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 Klaten, 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 Klaten, 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 Klaten, Indonesia
The area around Klaten, Indonesia, is characterized by diverse and interesting topography. Klaten itself is situated in a relatively flat plain, known as the Solo Valley, which is part of the larger Central Java region. This plain is surrounded by more dramatic landscapes, creating a picturesque and varied environment.
To the north and west of Klaten, the terrain gradually rises towards the imposing silhouette of Mount Merapi, an active volcano that dominates the skyline. This stratovolcano is one of the most active in Indonesia and has shaped much of the surrounding landscape over millennia. The slopes of Merapi are steep and rugged, covered in lush vegetation at lower elevations but becoming increasingly barren near the summit.
To the south and east, the terrain is generally flatter, consisting of fertile agricultural lands and rice paddies that stretch for miles. This area is part of the broader Yogyakarta Plain, which extends towards the Indian Ocean. Numerous rivers and streams crisscross this region, providing essential water resources for agriculture and daily life.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the flat agricultural lands to the south and east of Klaten present the most promising opportunities. These areas offer several advantages for solar energy production:
- Ample open space with minimal shading from natural features or buildings
- Relatively flat terrain, reducing the need for extensive land preparation
- Good road access for construction and maintenance
- Proximity to existing power infrastructure in populated areas
However, it's important to note that using agricultural land for solar installations may compete with food production. Therefore, careful planning and consultation with local communities would be necessary to strike a balance between energy needs and agricultural requirements.
The volcanic slopes to the north and west, while potentially offering good solar exposure, are less suitable for large-scale installations due to their steeper gradients, potential geological instability, and often protected status as part of forest reserves or national parks.
In conclusion, while the entire region around Klaten receives ample sunlight suitable for solar power generation, the most practical areas for large-scale solar PV would likely be found in the flatter, more accessible lands to the south and east of the city.
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: Monday 19th of August 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.
