Sarikei, Sarawak, Malaysia, situated in the tropics at latitude 2.0467 and longitude 111.5385, presents a favorable location for year-round solar energy generation. This region experiences consistent sunlight throughout the year, with seasons characterized more by wet and dry periods rather than traditional temperature-based seasons.

Solar Energy Potential

The solar energy potential in Sarikei is relatively high and stable across all meteorological seasons. Spring sees the highest average daily electricity output at 5.76 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity, followed closely by autumn at 5.50 kWh/day. Summer yields 5.27 kWh/day, while winter, despite being the least productive season, still generates a respectable 4.86 kWh/day. These figures indicate that Sarikei's location is well-suited for solar PV installations, with minimal fluctuations in energy production throughout the year. The consistency in output is particularly advantageous for maintaining a stable energy supply and maximizing the return on investment for solar installations.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed panel installations in Sarikei, Sarawak, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is just 1 degree South. This nearly horizontal 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 Considerations

While Sarikei's tropical climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider: 1. High humidity and rainfall: The region's tropical climate can lead to increased cloud cover and rainfall, potentially reducing solar irradiance. 2. Dust and debris: Tropical environments can accumulate dust and organic matter on solar panels, potentially reducing their efficiency. To mitigate these factors, consider the following preventative measures:

• Install panels with anti-reflective and hydrophobic coatings to improve performance in humid conditions and facilitate self-cleaning.
• Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove dust and debris from panels.
• Use weather-resistant components designed for tropical climates to ensure longevity and maintain efficiency.

In conclusion, Sarikei's location offers excellent potential for year-round solar energy production. With proper installation techniques and maintenance practices, solar PV systems in this area can provide a reliable and sustainable source of electricity 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 Sarikei

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 2.0467, Longitude: 111.5385 (Sarikei, 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 1° South in Sarikei, Malaysia

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sarikei, Malaysia (Lat/Long 2.0467, 111.5385) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 1° 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 Sarikei, 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 Sarikei, Malaysia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 1° 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 Sarikei, 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 Sarikei, 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 Sarikei, Malaysia

The topography around Sarikei, Malaysia, is characterized by a diverse landscape that combines coastal lowlands, river valleys, and gently rolling hills. Situated in the state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo, Sarikei is nestled along the Rajang River delta, which has played a significant role in shaping the surrounding terrain. The immediate vicinity of Sarikei consists primarily of flat, low-lying areas that were formed by sediment deposits from the Rajang River over thousands of years. These alluvial plains are fertile and have been extensively used for agriculture, particularly for growing fruits like pineapples and oranges, which have earned Sarikei the nickname "Fruit Basket of Sarawak." As one moves inland from the coast, the landscape gradually transitions to slightly elevated terrain. Here, the topography becomes more undulating, with gentle hills and small valleys interspersed throughout the region. These areas are often covered in lush tropical vegetation, including patches of rainforest and oil palm plantations.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would combine ample sunlight exposure, relatively flat terrain, and proximity to existing infrastructure. The coastal plains and gently sloping areas surrounding Sarikei offer promising potential for solar PV development. These regions typically receive consistent sunlight throughout the year, which is crucial for optimal solar energy production. The relatively flat terrain in these areas would minimize the need for extensive land preparation, reducing installation costs and environmental impact. Agricultural lands that are less productive or have been set aside could be repurposed for solar farms, creating a dual-use scenario that balances energy production with food security. Additionally, areas that have already been cleared for palm oil plantations but are no longer in use could be ideal candidates for solar PV installations. It's important to note that while the tropical climate of Sarawak provides abundant sunlight, it also presents challenges such as high humidity and frequent rainfall. Therefore, any large-scale solar PV project in the region would need to incorporate design elements to withstand these environmental factors and maintain efficiency. In conclusion, the areas most suited for large-scale solar PV near Sarikei would likely be found in the flatter, open spaces of the coastal plains and lower hillsides. These locations offer a balance of favorable topography, sunlight exposure, and potential for integration with existing infrastructure, making them promising candidates for sustainable energy development 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.