Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia, located at latitude -6.9214 and longitude 106.9259, presents a favorable environment for solar energy generation throughout the year. This tropical location benefits from consistent sunlight, with seasons primarily characterized by wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature variations.

Solar Energy Potential

The solar energy potential in Sukabumi is impressive, with relatively high and stable electricity output across all seasons. Spring and autumn show the highest production rates, with 5.42 kWh/day and 5.33 kWh/day per kW of installed solar capacity, respectively. Winter follows closely with 5.03 kWh/day, while summer produces a still-respectable 4.68 kWh/day. This consistent output throughout the year makes Sukabumi an ideal location for solar PV installations. The minimal variation between seasons ensures a reliable energy supply, reducing the need for extensive energy storage solutions or backup power systems.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed solar panel installations in Sukabumi, West Java, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round production is 7 degrees North. This slight tilt helps optimize energy capture throughout the year, accounting for the location's proximity to the equator and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental Considerations

While Sukabumi's tropical climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider: 1. Rainfall: The region experiences a wet season, which could potentially reduce solar output due to cloud cover. However, the impact is minimal compared to locations with more extreme seasonal variations. 2. Humidity: High humidity levels can slightly decrease panel efficiency, but this effect is generally minor. To mitigate these factors, consider the following preventative measures:

• Use high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels designed for tropical climates
• Implement regular cleaning schedules to remove dust and debris
• Install panels at the optimal tilt angle to maximize sunlight exposure and facilitate natural cleaning during rainfall

In conclusion, Sukabumi's location offers excellent potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. With proper installation and maintenance, solar PV systems in this area can provide a reliable and efficient source of renewable energy.

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 Sukabumi

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -6.9214, Longitude: 106.9259 (Sukabumi, 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 7° North in Sukabumi, Indonesia

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sukabumi, Indonesia (Lat/Long -6.9214, 106.9259) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 7° 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 Sukabumi, 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 Sukabumi, Indonesia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 7° 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 Sukabumi, 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 Sukabumi, 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 Sukabumi, Indonesia

The area surrounding Sukabumi, Indonesia, located at coordinates -6.9214 latitude and 106.9259 longitude, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography. This region, situated in the western part of Java Island, features a mix of rolling hills, lush valleys, and towering mountains that create a stunning landscape. Sukabumi itself is nestled in a basin surrounded by volcanic mountains, with Mount Gede and Mount Pangrango dominating the skyline to the northeast. The terrain gradually rises from the city center towards these peaks, creating a series of undulating hills and ridges. To the south, the land slopes gently towards the Indian Ocean, forming coastal plains and beaches. The area is crisscrossed by numerous rivers and streams that have carved out deep valleys and gorges over millennia. These waterways, fed by the abundant rainfall in the region, contribute to the lush vegetation that blankets much of the landscape. Dense tropical forests cover many of the hillsides and mountains, while terraced rice paddies and agricultural fields occupy the flatter areas and gentler slopes.

Potential for Large-scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby Sukabumi for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would be those that offer a combination of favorable topography, ample sunlight exposure, and minimal environmental impact. The coastal plains to the south of Sukabumi present promising opportunities for solar PV development. These areas typically feature relatively flat terrain, which simplifies construction and reduces costs associated with land preparation. The proximity to the coast also ensures good exposure to sunlight throughout the day, with fewer obstructions from mountains or tall vegetation. Another potential area for solar PV installations could be the gently sloping hillsides to the east and west of Sukabumi. These locations often have south-facing slopes that can maximize solar exposure. However, care must be taken to avoid areas with dense forest cover or those prone to landslides. The valleys between the hills, particularly those with wider, open spaces, could also be suitable for solar farms. These areas often have good road access, which is crucial for the transportation of equipment and maintenance purposes. It's important to note that while the mountainous regions north of Sukabumi receive ample sunlight, their steep terrain and ecological importance as watershed areas make them less ideal for large-scale solar developments. Additionally, any solar project in the region would need to consider the impact on local agriculture, as many of the flatter areas are currently used for farming. In conclusion, the diverse topography around Sukabumi offers several potential sites for large-scale solar PV installations, with the coastal plains and gently sloping hillsides being the most promising. However, careful planning and environmental assessments would be necessary to ensure that such developments are sustainable and beneficial to the local community.

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.