Solar PV Analysis of Sibu, Malaysia
Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia is a suitable location for year-round energy generation through solar PV due to its tropical climate where sunlight is consistent throughout most of the year. The average amount of electricity that can be generated per kW installed solar varies slightly with each season: 5.27kWh/day in Summer, 5.50kWh/day in Autumn, 4.86kWh/day in Winter, and 5.76kWh/day in Spring.
The best times to generate solar at this location would be during the Spring and Autumn when sunlight levels are highest according to these values. To maximize total yearly production from solar PV at this location, panels should ideally be tilted at an angle of 2 degrees facing South.
However, there may be certain local factors that could potentially hinder solar production here. For example, Sibu experiences a wet season which can reduce the amount of direct sunlight reaching the panels due to cloud cover or heavy rainfall. In addition to this, any dust or debris on the panels from nearby trees or buildings can also decrease their efficiency.
To counteract these potential issues when installing your solar system you could consider:
1) Regular cleaning and maintenance: Keep your panels clean and clear of any obstructions like leaves or dust.
2) Install protective measures: Depending on how severe weather conditions get during wet seasons you might want to install some form of protection against heavy rain.
3) Consider adjustable panel mounts: These allow you to change the tilt angle of your panels throughout the year so they always catch as much sun as possible - although it's worth noting that for Sibu specifically this might not make a huge difference given it's near-equatorial position means less variation in sun path across different seasons compared with locations further away from equator.
Overall though despite these potential challenges Sibu still represents a good location for generating power via Solar PV thanks largely due its consistently high levels of sunshine all-year round.
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 Sibu
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 2.2086, Longitude: 111.6 (Sibu, 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 Sibu, Malaysia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sibu, Malaysia (Lat/Long 2.2086, 111.6) 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 Sibu, 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 Sibu, 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 Sibu, 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 Sibu, Malaysia.
Our calculation method
- Solar Position:
We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination. - Shadow Projection:
We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle. - 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 Sibu, Malaysia
Sibu is located in the central region of Sarawak, Malaysia. The topography around Sibu is generally flat with a few hilly areas. It is situated near the Rajang River, which is the longest river in Malaysia.
The climate in Sibu is tropical rainforest which means it's hot and humid throughout the year with high rainfall. However, despite the high amount of rainfall, there are still plenty of sunny days that could potentially be utilized for solar power generation.
The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations would be flat open spaces with minimal shading and good sun exposure. Given its proximity to the equator, any open land area around Sibu should receive sufficient sunlight throughout the year to generate electricity from solar power.
However, given that a substantial portion of land around Sibu consists of peat swamp forests and agricultural land (particularly oil palm plantations), careful consideration must be given to environmental impacts before deciding on locations for large scale solar PV installations.
A potential location could be unused or less productive agricultural lands where installation of solar panels will not significantly disrupt local ecosystems or food production systems. Rooftops of larger buildings within urban areas can also serve as potential sites for smaller scale PV installations.
It's important to note that any decision related to this should involve thorough feasibility studies including environmental impact assessments and consultations with local communities.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Sunday 12th of May 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
