Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, situated at latitude 5.2932 and longitude 103.1447, offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation. This tropical city experiences consistent sunlight throughout the year, with seasons characterized more by wet and dry periods rather than traditional temperature-based seasons.

Year-round Solar Potential

The solar energy output at this location remains relatively stable across the meteorological seasons, with some variations:

• Spring: 6.32 kWh/day per kW installed
• Summer: 5.59 kWh/day per kW installed
• Autumn: 5.17 kWh/day per kW installed
• Winter: 5.14 kWh/day per kW installed

Spring stands out as the most productive season, while autumn and winter show slightly lower outputs. However, the difference between the highest and lowest producing seasons is relatively small, indicating good year-round potential for solar energy generation.

Optimal Panel Placement

For fixed panel installations in Kuala Terengganu, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 4 degrees South. This slight tilt helps optimize energy capture throughout the year, accounting for the city's proximity to the equator and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental Considerations

While Kuala Terengganu's tropical climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

• Monsoon season: The northeast monsoon from November to March can bring heavy rainfall and cloud cover, potentially reducing solar output.
• High humidity: The tropical climate's high humidity levels may lead to increased dust accumulation on panels, affecting efficiency.

To mitigate these factors, regular cleaning and maintenance of solar panels is crucial. Additionally, using high-quality, weather-resistant panels and mounting systems can help ensure optimal performance in the face of heavy rainfall and high humidity.

Overall, Kuala Terengganu's location offers excellent potential for solar PV energy generation, with consistent year-round output and only minor seasonal variations. By addressing the few environmental challenges through proper installation and maintenance, this tropical city can effectively harness its abundant solar resources.

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

Link: Solar PV potential in Malaysia by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Kuala Terengganu

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 5.2932, Longitude: 103.1447 (Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia), 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 4° South in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia (Lat/Long 5.2932, 103.1447) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 4° 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.

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

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 Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 4° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
11° North in Summer	11° South in Autumn	20° South 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 Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

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 Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.

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 Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

The area surrounding Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography that combines coastal features with inland landscapes. Situated on the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Kuala Terengganu is nestled along the South China Sea, offering a stunning shoreline with sandy beaches and estuaries. Moving inland from the coast, the terrain gradually transitions into gently rolling hills and lowlands. The landscape is dotted with lush tropical vegetation, including dense forests and palm plantations. Rivers and streams crisscross the region, creating a network of waterways that add to the area's natural beauty and ecological diversity.

Coastal Features

The coastline near Kuala Terengganu is predominantly flat, with long stretches of sandy beaches interspersed with rocky outcrops. The Terengganu River meets the sea at this point, forming a wide estuary that has played a significant role in the city's development as a port. Offshore, several small islands contribute to the area's scenic appeal and provide habitats for marine life.

Inland Topography

As one moves away from the coast, the terrain becomes more varied. Low-lying plains give way to undulating hills, particularly towards the west and southwest. These areas are often covered in tropical rainforests or have been converted for agricultural use, with palm oil and rubber plantations being common sights.

Potential for Solar PV Development

When considering areas suitable for large-scale solar PV installations near Kuala Terengganu, several factors come into play. The most promising locations would likely be found in the inland regions, away from the immediate coastal areas. These inland locations offer several advantages: 1. The gently rolling hills and plains provide ample space for expansive solar arrays without the need for extensive land modification. 2. Areas that have already been cleared for agriculture, particularly former plantations, could be repurposed for solar farms with minimal environmental impact. 3. The slightly elevated terrain of the inland regions may offer better exposure to sunlight throughout the day, maximizing energy production. 4. Moving away from the coast reduces the risk of damage from sea spray and coastal storms, which can be detrimental to solar equipment. However, it's important to note that the region's tropical climate, with its high humidity and frequent rainfall, poses challenges for solar PV installations. Careful site selection, taking into account factors such as drainage and flood risk, would be crucial for successful large-scale solar projects in the area. In conclusion, while the coastal areas of Kuala Terengganu offer scenic beauty, the inland regions with their varied topography and existing land use patterns present more promising opportunities for large-scale solar PV development. These areas strike a balance between available space, suitable terrain, and reduced environmental impact, making them prime candidates for renewable energy projects in the region.

Malaysia solar PV Stats as a country

Malaysia ranks 33rd in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 1,787 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 2.40% of Malaysia's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 32nd in the world). Each year Malaysia is generating 55 Watts from solar PV per capita (Malaysia ranks 51st in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Malaysia?

Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Malaysia. The Malaysian government offers a range of financial incentives and tax breaks for businesses that invest in renewable energy projects. These include the Renewable Energy Fund (REF), which provides grants and loans to support the development of renewable energy projects; the Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS), which provides financing for green technology investments; and the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme, which guarantees a fixed price for electricity generated from renewable sources. Additionally, businesses may be eligible for capital allowances on their investments in solar energy systems.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Malaysia? 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.