Sumbawa Besar, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, located at latitude -8.4951 and longitude 117.4188, presents a highly 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.

Year-round Solar Potential

The solar energy output at this location is remarkably consistent across all seasons. Spring sees the highest production at 6.46 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Summer, surprisingly, has the lowest output at 5.62 kWh/day, while autumn and winter maintain strong performance at 6.07 kWh/day and 6.03 kWh/day, respectively. This minimal seasonal variation is a significant advantage for solar energy production in Sumbawa Besar. It ensures a steady and reliable energy supply throughout the year, making it an excellent location for solar PV installations.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed solar panel installations in Sumbawa Besar, West Nusa Tenggara, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 9 degrees facing North. This slight tilt helps optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the location's proximity to the equator and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental Considerations

While Sumbawa Besar's tropical climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider: 1. Rainfall: The wet season, typically from November to March, may lead to increased cloud cover and potentially reduce solar output. 2. Humidity: High humidity levels can slightly decrease panel efficiency and may contribute to faster degradation of equipment over time. To mitigate these factors, consider the following preventative measures: - Use high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels and components designed for tropical climates. - Implement regular cleaning schedules to remove any dust or debris that may accumulate during dry periods. - Install a robust drainage system to prevent water accumulation on or around the panels during heavy rains. Overall, Sumbawa Besar presents an excellent location for solar PV installations. Its consistent year-round sunlight and minimal seasonal variations in energy output make it an ideal site for harnessing solar energy efficiently and reliably.

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 Sumbawa Besar

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -8.4951, Longitude: 117.4188 (Sumbawa Besar, 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 9° North in Sumbawa Besar, Indonesia

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sumbawa Besar, Indonesia (Lat/Long -8.4951, 117.4188) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 9° 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 Sumbawa Besar, 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 Sumbawa Besar, Indonesia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 9° 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	15° North in Autumn	24° 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 Sumbawa Besar, 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 Sumbawa Besar, 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 Sumbawa Besar, Indonesia

The topography around Sumbawa Besar, Indonesia, is characterized by a diverse landscape that includes both coastal areas and mountainous terrain. Sumbawa Besar is located on the island of Sumbawa, which is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands in the eastern part of the Indonesian archipelago. The city itself is situated near the northern coast of the island, nestled between the sea and the surrounding hills. To the north of Sumbawa Besar, the land gently slopes down towards the Flores Sea, creating a narrow coastal plain. This area features stretches of sandy beaches interspersed with rocky shorelines. Moving inland from the coast, the terrain gradually rises, transitioning into rolling hills and eventually giving way to more rugged, mountainous regions. The southern part of the region is dominated by a chain of volcanic mountains that runs along the spine of Sumbawa Island. These mountains, part of the larger volcanic arc that extends through Indonesia, contribute to the area's varied elevation and create dramatic changes in the landscape. The highest peak on the island, Mount Tambora, is located to the east of Sumbawa Besar and stands at an impressive 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level.

Potential Areas for Large-scale Solar PV

When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Sumbawa Besar, several factors come into play, including available land, sun exposure, and accessibility. The most suitable areas for such projects would likely be found in the following regions: The coastal plains to the north and northeast of Sumbawa Besar offer promising potential for solar PV development. These areas benefit from relatively flat terrain, which simplifies construction and minimizes the need for extensive land preparation. The proximity to the coast also ensures good sun exposure throughout the day, with fewer obstructions from mountains or dense vegetation. Inland areas with gently rolling hills, particularly those to the east and southeast of the city, could also be well-suited for solar installations. These locations often have the advantage of being away from urban centers, providing ample space for large-scale projects. The slight elevation can also help in avoiding shadows cast by nearby landforms, ensuring optimal sunlight capture. It's worth noting that while the mountainous regions to the south offer abundant sunlight due to their elevation, the challenging terrain and potential environmental concerns make them less ideal for large-scale solar developments. The focus should remain on more accessible areas that balance good sun exposure with ease of construction and grid connectivity. In all cases, detailed site assessments would be necessary to determine the most viable locations, taking into account factors such as local climate patterns, land ownership, and proximity to existing power infrastructure. Additionally, any solar project would need to consider the potential impact on local ecosystems and communities, ensuring sustainable development that benefits the region as a whole.

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.