Sekong, Khoueng Xekong, Laos is a tropical location where the sunlight remains consistent throughout most of the year. This makes it a good place for generating energy using solar photovoltaic (PV) panels all year round. The amount of electricity you can expect to get from each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar varies slightly by season, but not by much. In summer, you can expect about 5.12 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day per kW; in autumn, about 4.80 kWh/day/kW; in winter, about 5.67 kWh/day/kW; and in spring, about 5.98 kWh/day/kW.

Given these numbers, the best times to generate solar power at this location are during spring and winter when sunlight output is highest.

For fixed panel installations at this location, tilting your panels at an angle of 15 degrees South will allow them to capture the maximum amount of sunlight over the course of a year.

There may be some local factors that could potentially reduce your solar production here though they aren't significant enough to completely impede it:

1) Sekong has distinct wet and dry seasons which means that there might be less sunshine during rainy periods.
2) Dust or other airborne particles could settle on your panels reducing their efficiency.
3) Local wildlife or vegetation could also cast shadows on your panels or damage them.

To mitigate these potential issues:
1) Regular cleaning and maintenance should help keep dust off your panels.
2) You might need some sort of physical barrier or deterrent if local wildlife becomes an issue.
3) If trees are casting shadows on your installation site then trimming back branches would improve exposure to sunlight.

Overall though Sekong's consistent sunshine makes it an excellent place for producing solar energy all year round with just minor adjustments needed based on seasonal variations and potential local challenges.

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 3 locations across Laos. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Laos by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Sekong

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 15.3421, Longitude: 106.7246 (Sekong, Laos), 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:

Average 5.12kWh/day in Summer.

Average 4.80kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 5.67kWh/day in Winter.

Average 5.98kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 15° South in Sekong, Laos

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sekong, Laos (Lat/Long 15.3421, 106.7246) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 15° 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.

At Latitude: 15.3421, Longitude: 106.7246, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 15° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Sekong, Laos

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 Sekong, Laos. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 15° South tilt angle throughout the year.

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 Sekong, Laos

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 Sekong, Laos.

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 Sekong, Laos

Sekong, Laos is located in the southern part of the country and is characterized by a mountainous topography with vast forest areas. The region features elevations ranging from lowland valleys to high peaks, with numerous rivers running through it.

In terms of solar photovoltaic (PV) potential, flat or gently sloping areas are preferable as they require less site preparation and can accommodate more PV panels per unit area. Given Sekong's largely mountainous terrain, suitable locations for large-scale solar PV installations might be limited.

However, there are certain factors that could make some parts of Sekong viable for solar energy projects:

1. Clearings in the forest: These could potentially be used for setting up solar farms if they are sufficiently large and receive enough sunlight.
2. Valleys: Flat valley bottoms may also be suitable locations if they're not prone to flooding.
3. Rooftop Solar Panels: Considering urban areas within Sekong where buildings' rooftops can host smaller-scale PV systems.
4. Floating Solar Farms: If there are any large bodies of water nearby such as lakes or reservoirs, floating solar farms could be an option.

It's important to note that an accurate assessment would require detailed local geographical data including elevation maps, local climate data (especially sun exposure), land use restrictions etc., which hasn't been considered here.

Additionally, other factors like accessibility to grid infrastructure, environmental considerations (like preserving biodiversity), land rights issues etc., should also be taken into account while identifying suitable sites for large-scale solar PV installations.

Citation Guide

Article Details for Citation

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.

©Copyright Aaron Robinson and profileSOLAR.com 2019-2025

Home
Solar: United States
Solar: Worldwide
Solar Panel Tilt Angle
Login

Privacy
Disclaimer
Impressum
Contact Us