Solar PV Analysis of Airok, Marshall Islands
The location at Airok, Ailinglaplap Atoll, Marshall Islands, situated at 7.2786° N, 168.8217° E, presents a highly favorable environment for solar energy production throughout the year. Being in the tropics, this location benefits from consistent sunlight and minimal seasonal variations, making it an excellent choice for solar PV installations.
The solar energy output data provided shows impressive performance across all seasons. In summer, the system generates an average of 6.31 kWh per day for each kW of installed capacity. This drops slightly to 5.29 kWh/day in autumn, rises again to 6.03 kWh/day in winter, and maintains a solid 5.55 kWh/day in spring. These figures indicate a remarkably stable energy production profile throughout the year, with only minor fluctuations between seasons.
The highest energy production occurs during the summer months, making this the ideal time for maximum solar generation. However, the relatively small difference between the highest and lowest seasonal outputs (about 1 kWh/day) suggests that the location is well-suited for consistent solar energy production year-round.
For fixed panel installations at this location, the ideal tilt angle to maximize total year-round production is 7 degrees facing South. This slight tilt helps optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's proximity to the equator and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental and Weather Factors
While the location is generally ideal for solar production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Tropical storms and typhoons: The Marshall Islands are susceptible to severe weather events, which could potentially damage solar installations. To mitigate this risk, robust mounting systems designed to withstand high winds should be used, and panels should be securely fastened.
- Salt corrosion: Given the proximity to the ocean, salt spray can accelerate corrosion of solar equipment. Using corrosion-resistant materials and applying protective coatings can help extend the lifespan of the installation.
- High humidity: The tropical climate means high humidity levels, which can potentially affect electrical components. Proper sealing and ventilation of equipment enclosures can help prevent moisture-related issues.
Despite these challenges, with proper planning and preventative measures, solar PV systems in this location can be expected to perform exceptionally well, providing a reliable and abundant source of renewable energy 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 2 locations across Marshall Islands. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Marshall Islands by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Airok
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 7.2786, Longitude: 168.8217 (Airok, Marshall Islands), 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 7° South in Airok, Marshall Islands
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Airok, Marshall Islands (Lat/Long 7.2786, 168.8217) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 7° 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 Airok, Marshall Islands
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 Airok, Marshall Islands. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 7° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8° North in Summer | 13° South in Autumn | 23° South in Winter | 1° South 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 Airok, Marshall Islands
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 Airok, Marshall Islands.
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 Airok, Marshall Islands
The Marshall Islands, including the area around Airok, are characterized by low-lying coral atolls and islands. The topography is generally very flat, with most islands rising only a few meters above sea level. Airok is located on Ailinglaplap Atoll, which is typical of the Marshall Islands' geography.
Key topographical features:
1. Flat terrain: The islands and atolls are mostly flat, with very little elevation change.
2. Coral reef structure: The atolls are formed by coral reefs surrounding a central lagoon.
3. Narrow land masses: The islands are typically long and narrow, with limited land area.
4. Low elevation: Most of the land is only 1-2 meters above sea level, with some areas reaching up to 5 meters at most.
5. Sandy soil: The islands are primarily composed of coral sand and gravel.
Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV installations:
The Marshall Islands, in general, have good potential for solar energy due to their location near the equator, which provides consistent sunlight throughout the year. However, there are several challenges to consider:
1. Limited land area: The narrow islands and atolls have restricted space for large-scale installations.
2. Vulnerability to sea-level rise and storms: Low-lying areas are at risk of flooding and damage from tropical storms.
3. Corrosive environment: The salty air can accelerate equipment degradation.
Given these factors, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV in the vicinity of Airok would likely be:
1. The widest parts of Ailinglaplap Atoll: Areas with more land mass could accommodate larger installations.
2. Slightly elevated areas: Any locations with even minor elevation gains would be preferable to reduce flood risk.
3. Open, unshaded spaces: Areas free from vegetation and buildings to maximize sun exposure.
4. Near existing infrastructure: Proximity to power distribution systems would be beneficial.
5. Protected from storm surge: Interior locations or areas with natural barriers might offer some protection.
It's important to note that "large-scale" in the context of the Marshall Islands would be relatively small compared to continental installations due to land constraints. Distributed solar systems across multiple locations might be more practical than a single large-scale installation. Additionally, floating solar PV systems in the lagoon could be an alternative to consider, given the limited land area.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 16th of July 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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.
