Solar PV Analysis of Medan, Indonesia
Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia is a great location for solar energy production all year round because it receives a consistent amount of sunlight throughout the year. The energy produced by solar panels depends on how much sunlight they receive, and in Medan, North Sumatra, you can expect to generate around 5kWh per day for every kW of installed solar power during all four seasons. This is quite high compared to many other locations.
The best times of the year to generate solar power at this location are during Autumn and Spring when the daily output can reach up to 5.41kWh per kW. However, even in Winter and Summer, the output remains high at above 5kWh per kW.
For fixed panel installations in Medan, North Sumatra, tilting your panels at an angle of 3 degrees towards the South will maximize your total yearly production from your solar panels. This is because this angle takes into account the position of the sun in relation to Medan's location near equator.
However, there are some local factors that could potentially reduce solar production at this location. For example:
1) Weather: Although Medan has a tropical climate with lots of sunshine throughout most parts of the year; it also experiences heavy rainfall especially during monsoon season which may affect efficiency.
2) Topography: Buildings or trees might block direct sunlight from reaching your panels depending on where they're installed.
3) Dust & Debris: Due to its urban setting and pollution levels; dust and debris might accumulate over time on your panels reducing their efficiency.
To overcome these challenges:
1) Installations should be done taking into consideration any potential obstructions like buildings or trees that could block direct sunlight.
2) Regular cleaning and maintenance should be performed especially after heavy rainfall or dusty conditions; this will ensure maximum efficiency from your system.
In conclusion; while there are some challenges associated with installing solar PV systems in Medan due to its weather patterns and urban setting; the high levels of sunlight it receives throughout the year make it an ideal location for solar energy production.
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 Medan
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 3.5847, Longitude: 98.6629 (Medan, 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 3° South in Medan, Indonesia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Medan, Indonesia (Lat/Long 3.5847, 98.6629) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 3° 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 Medan, 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 Medan, Indonesia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 3° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12° North in Summer | 9° South in Autumn | 19° South in Winter | 3° 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 Medan, 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 Medan, 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 Medan, Indonesia
Medan, Indonesia is located in the northern part of Sumatra Island. The topography around Medan is quite varied, ranging from flat coastal plains to hilly and mountainous regions. The city itself is relatively flat with some undulating hills.
The region receives a substantial amount of sunlight due to its proximity to the equator, making it potentially suitable for solar PV installations. However, factors such as cloud cover, rainfall and land availability need to be considered.
Flat areas with less vegetation and fewer buildings would be most suited for large-scale solar PV installations as they provide unobstructed exposure to sunlight. Coastal plains could be viable options if they are not prone to flooding or other environmental issues.
Another potential area could be unused or underutilized agricultural land that has been deforested or degraded. This would minimize the impact on natural ecosystems and biodiversity.
Also, rooftops of industrial buildings in Medan's urban areas can serve as potential sites for smaller-scale solar panel installations.
However, a thorough feasibility study considering all environmental aspects along with economic analysis should be conducted before any large-scale implementation of solar PV projects.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Friday 12th 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.
