Tulungagung, Indonesia offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation, situated in the tropics where sunlight remains relatively consistent throughout the year. This East Java district experiences seasonal variations primarily through wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature fluctuations.

The solar energy production potential in Tulungagung shows impressive consistency across seasons. Autumn delivers the highest output at 6.27kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity, closely followed by Spring with 6.21kWh/day. Winter and Summer periods remain productive as well, generating 5.58kWh/day and 5.46kWh/day respectively per installed kilowatt.

For maximizing year-round energy production at this location, fixed solar panels should be installed at an 8-degree tilt facing North. This specific angle has been calculated to optimize solar capture throughout the year, accounting for Tulungagung's position just south of the equator.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several significant factors could impact solar production efficiency in Tulungagung. The region experiences a pronounced monsoon season, typically bringing heavy rainfall and increased cloud cover from November through March. These conditions can temporarily reduce solar output during what would otherwise be productive months.

Additionally, Tulungagung's tropical location means high humidity levels year-round, which can accelerate corrosion of system components if not properly protected. The area also experiences occasional volcanic ash from Indonesia's active volcanoes, which can deposit on panels and reduce efficiency.

To mitigate these challenges, several preventative measures are recommended:

• Install corrosion-resistant mounting hardware and electrical components designed for tropical environments
• Implement automated cleaning systems or regular maintenance schedules to remove ash deposits and other particulates
• Consider slightly oversizing systems to compensate for reduced output during the monsoon season
• Use micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading from cloud cover
• Ensure proper drainage around ground-mounted systems to prevent flooding during heavy rains

With these considerations addressed, Tulungagung represents an excellent location for solar PV installations, offering consistent energy production throughout the year with relatively minimal seasonal variation compared to non-tropical regions.

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 Tulungagung

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -8.105, Longitude: 111.8851 (Tulungagung, 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 Tulungagung, Indonesia

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tulungagung, Indonesia (Lat/Long -8.105, 111.8851) 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 Tulungagung, 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 Tulungagung, 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	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 Tulungagung, 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 Tulungagung, 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 Tulungagung, Indonesia

Tulungagung, situated in East Java, Indonesia, presents a varied topography that significantly influences its potential for solar energy development. The region is characterized by a mix of lowland plains, rolling hills, and mountainous terrain, creating a diverse landscape that transitions from the coastal areas in the south to more elevated regions in the north and east. The southern portion of Tulungagung features relatively flat plains that gradually rise as one moves northward. This southern area includes coastal zones along the Indian Ocean, where the terrain is generally level with some gentle undulations. Moving inland, the landscape begins to show more pronounced elevation changes, with rolling hills becoming a common feature of the central parts of the region.

Mountain Ranges and Elevations

The northern and eastern sections of Tulungagung are dominated by more dramatic topographical features, including foothills and mountains that form part of the larger volcanic systems of East Java. Notable among these is the presence of Mount Wilis to the northwest, which rises to approximately 2,500 meters above sea level. This mountain, along with other elevated formations, creates significant variations in altitude throughout the region. The eastern parts of Tulungagung border the Brantas River valley, which provides some flatter terrain amidst the otherwise hilly landscape. This river system has historically shaped the topography through erosion and sediment deposition, creating fertile valleys between areas of higher elevation.

Optimal Areas for Solar PV Development

For large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several areas around Tulungagung show particular promise based on their topographical characteristics. The southern plains offer extensive flat or gently sloping land that would minimize the costs and complications associated with site preparation for solar arrays. These areas typically have fewer shading issues from natural features, allowing for optimal solar exposure throughout the day. The central rolling hills, while requiring more careful site selection, also present viable opportunities for solar PV development. South-facing slopes (in the Southern Hemisphere) can actually enhance energy capture by optimizing the angle at which solar radiation strikes the panels. However, care must be taken to avoid areas where adjacent hills might cast shadows during parts of the day. The river valleys, particularly along the Brantas River system, combine favorable topography with proximity to existing infrastructure, potentially reducing the costs associated with transmission and distribution of generated electricity. These areas typically feature relatively flat terrain that has been naturally leveled through fluvial processes.

Topographical Challenges

The mountainous regions in the north and east, while offering some potential for smaller installations on suitable slopes, generally present more challenges for large-scale solar development. The steep terrain not only complicates construction and maintenance but can also create significant shading issues that reduce generation efficiency. Additionally, some parts of Tulungagung experience seasonal flooding, particularly in the lower-lying areas during the wet season. Any solar development would need to account for these hydrological patterns to ensure the longevity and reliability of installations. The varied topography of the region also influences local weather patterns, with some areas experiencing more cloud cover due to orographic effects as air masses are forced to rise over elevated terrain. This factor would need to be considered in detailed site assessments for potential solar projects. In summary, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV development around Tulungagung would be the southern plains and selected portions of the central rolling hills, particularly those with southern exposures and minimal risk of shading from adjacent topographical features. The river valleys also offer promising locations that balance favorable terrain with practical considerations of infrastructure access.

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.