Probolinggo, East Java, Indonesia presents an excellent location for year-round solar energy generation. Located in the tropics at coordinates -7.8792, 113.098, this area benefits from consistent sunlight throughout most of the year, with seasons typically defined by wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature variations.

Solar Energy Production Potential

The solar energy output data for Probolinggo shows remarkably consistent and strong performance across all seasons. Spring emerges as the peak production period, generating 6.34 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. This is followed closely by autumn and winter, which produce 5.97 kWh/day and 5.95 kWh/day respectively. Even summer, the lowest-performing season, still delivers a robust 5.49 kWh/day per kW of installed capacity. The relatively small variation between seasons - less than 0.85 kWh difference between the highest and lowest performing periods - demonstrates the location's reliability for solar energy generation. This consistency makes Probolinggo particularly attractive for solar installations, as energy output remains predictable throughout the year.

Optimal Panel Configuration

For fixed panel installations at this location, the ideal tilt angle to maximize total year-round solar production is 8 degrees North. This angle has been calculated by analyzing daily solar elevation angles, determining optimal panel positioning, and weighting these factors using solar irradiance data while accounting for Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Despite the favorable solar conditions, several local factors could potentially impact solar energy production in Probolinggo:

• Monsoon seasons and heavy rainfall: Indonesia's tropical climate includes intense wet seasons that can reduce solar irradiance and create challenges for panel maintenance
• High humidity levels: Persistent moisture in the air can affect panel efficiency and create condensation issues
• Dust and volcanic ash: The region's proximity to active volcanoes means periodic ash deposits on panels, while general dust accumulation is common in tropical environments
• Salt air exposure: Coastal proximity can lead to salt corrosion of equipment and reduced panel performance

Preventative Measures for Optimal Performance

To maximize solar energy production despite these challenges, several installation strategies should be implemented:

• Enhanced drainage systems: Install panels with adequate spacing and angled mounting to prevent water pooling and ensure rapid runoff during heavy rains
• Regular cleaning schedules: Establish frequent panel cleaning routines, particularly during dry seasons when dust accumulation is highest and after volcanic activity
• Corrosion-resistant materials: Use marine-grade aluminum frames and stainless steel mounting hardware to withstand salt air exposure
• Improved ventilation: Design installations with sufficient air circulation behind panels to reduce moisture buildup and maintain optimal operating temperatures

Overall, Probolinggo represents a highly favorable location for solar energy generation, with the potential challenges being manageable through proper installation techniques and maintenance practices.

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 Probolinggo

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -7.8792, Longitude: 113.098 (Probolinggo, 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 Probolinggo, Indonesia

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Probolinggo, Indonesia (Lat/Long -7.8792, 113.098) 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 Probolinggo, 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 Probolinggo, 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	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 Probolinggo, 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 Probolinggo, 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 Probolinggo, Indonesia

Topographical Features of Probolinggo Region

Probolinggo sits in a dramatically varied landscape on the northern coast of East Java, Indonesia. The city itself occupies relatively flat coastal plains that extend inland from the Java Sea, providing stable ground at near sea level elevation. This coastal zone features gentle slopes and well-drained alluvial soils that have been shaped by centuries of river deposits and volcanic activity from the nearby mountain ranges.

The most striking topographical feature dominating the southern horizon is the massive volcanic complex of Mount Bromo and the Tengger Caldera. This ancient volcanic system rises sharply from the coastal plains, creating steep escarpments and rugged terrain as the land climbs toward elevations exceeding 2,000 meters. The transition from the flat coastal areas to the mountainous interior happens relatively quickly, with the landscape becoming increasingly steep and broken as it approaches the volcanic highlands.

Between the coast and the major volcanic peaks, the terrain consists of gently rolling hills and river valleys that have been carved by streams flowing northward toward the sea. These intermediate elevations feature moderate slopes and represent a transitional zone between the flat coastal plains and the steep volcanic terrain further south.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The coastal plains extending inland from Probolinggo present the most favorable conditions for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations. These areas offer extensive flat to gently sloping terrain that minimizes construction costs and simplifies the installation of solar arrays. The stable ground conditions in this zone reduce foundation requirements and allow for efficient use of mechanical equipment during construction.

The flat agricultural areas southwest and northwest of the city center would be particularly well-suited for solar development, as they combine favorable topography with good accessibility via existing road networks. These locations benefit from minimal shading concerns due to the absence of significant elevation changes or dense vegetation that could interfere with solar collection.

Areas within approximately 10-15 kilometers of the coast generally maintain the gentle topography ideal for solar installations while remaining accessible for grid connection and maintenance activities. The relatively open landscape in these zones also facilitates the installation of necessary electrical infrastructure and provides adequate space for the large footprints required by utility-scale solar facilities.

The gradually rising terrain toward the interior mountains should generally be avoided for large-scale solar development due to increasing slopes, more complex drainage patterns, and the logistical challenges associated with construction on uneven ground. Additionally, the higher elevations experience more frequent cloud cover and weather variations that could impact solar generation consistency.

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.