The location of Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia, situated at latitude 2.4118 and longitude 112.0435, 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 traditional temperature-based seasons.

Solar Energy Production Potential

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Mukah can expect relatively stable electricity output across all seasons. The average daily electricity production per kilowatt of installed solar capacity ranges from 4.89 kWh in winter to 5.65 kWh in spring. Autumn and summer seasons show similar performance, with 5.39 kWh and 5.37 kWh per day, respectively. The minimal variation in output between seasons indicates that Mukah is an excellent location for year-round solar energy production. Spring appears to be the most productive season, likely due to clearer skies and optimal sun angles. However, the difference between the highest and lowest producing seasons is less than 1 kWh per day, suggesting consistent performance throughout the year.

Panel Installation Considerations

For fixed solar panel installations in Mukah, Sarawak, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 2 degrees facing South. This nearly flat orientation is due to the location's proximity to the equator, where the sun's path remains relatively high in the sky throughout the year.

Environmental and Weather Factors

While Mukah's tropical climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider: 1. High humidity and rainfall: The tropical climate can lead to increased cloud cover and rainfall, potentially reducing solar irradiance. 2. Dust and particulate matter: Agricultural activities and occasional haze events may deposit particles on solar panels, reducing their efficiency. To mitigate these factors, the following preventative measures can be implemented:

• Install panels with a slight tilt to allow for natural cleaning by rainwater
• Use anti-soiling coatings on panel surfaces
• Implement regular cleaning and maintenance schedules
• Consider tracking systems to maximize energy capture during clear periods

By addressing these environmental factors and optimizing panel installation, Mukah can effectively harness its substantial solar energy potential, providing a reliable and sustainable power source throughout the year.

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 Mukah

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 2.4118, Longitude: 112.0435 (Mukah, 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 2° South in Mukah, Malaysia

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Mukah, Malaysia (Lat/Long 2.4118, 112.0435) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 2° 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 Mukah, 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 Mukah, Malaysia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 2° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
14° North in Summer	8° South in Autumn	18° South in Winter	4° 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 Mukah, 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 Mukah, 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 Mukah, Malaysia

The area surrounding Mukah, Malaysia, located at 2.4118°N, 112.0435°E, is characterized by a predominantly flat coastal landscape. This region is part of Sarawak's coastal lowlands, which extend along much of the northwestern coast of Borneo. The topography is generally low-lying, with elevations rarely exceeding 50 meters above sea level. The immediate vicinity of Mukah is dominated by a wide, sandy coastline that gradually transitions into a vast expanse of peat swamp forests further inland. These swampy areas are interspersed with numerous rivers and streams that meander through the landscape, creating a complex network of waterways. The Mukah River, which flows through the town, is one of the prominent features of this coastal plain. As one moves slightly inland from the coast, the terrain remains relatively flat but becomes increasingly characterized by peat soil. This soft, organic-rich soil is a defining feature of the region and has a significant impact on local vegetation and land use. The peat swamp forests that cover much of the area are home to unique ecosystems adapted to these waterlogged conditions.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby Mukah for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The flat terrain of the coastal plains offers advantages for solar development, as it reduces the need for extensive land preparation and allows for easier installation of solar panels. The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Mukah would likely be found on slightly elevated ground away from the immediate coastline and swampy areas. These locations would ideally be: 1. Areas of cleared land or former agricultural sites that are no longer in use. Such locations would minimize the need for deforestation and reduce environmental impact. 2. Regions with good road access, preferably close to existing power infrastructure to facilitate grid connection. 3. Zones that are less prone to flooding, as the low-lying nature of the region can make some areas vulnerable to inundation during heavy rains or storm surges. 4. Locations that are not part of protected peat swamp forests or other ecologically sensitive areas. It's worth noting that while the flat terrain is advantageous, the high humidity and frequent cloud cover in this tropical region may pose challenges for solar energy generation. Therefore, careful site selection and thorough feasibility studies would be crucial to identify the most promising locations for large-scale solar PV installations in the vicinity of Mukah.

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.