Solar PV Analysis of Pathein, Myanmar
The location at Pathein, Ayeyarwady Region, Myanmar, which is situated in the Tropics, is a very good place to set up solar panels for year-round energy generation. This area receives consistent sunlight throughout most of the year due to its tropical climate. The seasons here are more typically characterized by wet and dry periods rather than significant changes in temperature.
Looking at the potential energy production per season, it's clear that all seasons offer solid potential for solar power generation. However, Spring (with an average of 6.46kWh/day) and Winter (5.85kWh/day) stand out as particularly ideal times for generating solar power at this location due to higher sunlight intensity and longer daylight hours.
For a fixed panel installation at this location, tilting the panels towards 18 degrees South would maximize total year-round production from solar PV by aligning them directly with the path of the sun.
However, there could be local factors that might affect solar production in Pathein. For instance:
1) Monsoon Season: Being a tropical region, heavy rainfall during monsoon season could reduce sunlight exposure on panels significantly.
2) Dust & Dirt: Dust from nearby roads or agricultural activities can accumulate on panels reducing their efficiency.
Preventative measures can be taken to address these issues:
1) Waterproof Installation: Ensuring waterproof installation can protect equipment during heavy rainfall periods.
2) Regular Cleaning: Regular maintenance including cleaning of panels can help keep them free from dust and dirt ensuring optimal performance.
3) Elevated Installation: Installing panels slightly elevated will prevent any potential flooding damage during monsoon season.
In conclusion though minor challenges may exist depending on local conditions; overall Pathein would be an ideal location for year-round solar energy generation given its consistent exposure to sunlight across seasons.
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 21 locations across Myanmar. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Myanmar by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Pathein
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 16.7821, Longitude: 94.7293 (Pathein, Myanmar), 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 18° South in Pathein, Myanmar
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Pathein, Myanmar (Lat/Long 16.7821, 94.7293) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 18° 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 Pathein, Myanmar
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 Pathein, Myanmar. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 18° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1° South in Summer | 24° South in Autumn | 32° South in Winter | 11° 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 Pathein, Myanmar
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 Pathein, Myanmar.
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 Pathein, Myanmar
Pathein, Myanmar is located in the Ayeyarwady Region and lies on the Pathein River which is a western branch of the Irrawaddy River. The topography around Pathein is largely flat with some low-lying hills. It's surrounded by fertile plains suitable for agriculture, particularly rice cultivation. The area has a tropical monsoon climate with heavy rainfall during monsoon season and high temperatures throughout the year.
As for large-scale solar PV installations, open and flat areas would be most suited as they provide maximum exposure to sunlight without obstruction from hills or mountains. Areas that are not heavily forested would also be ideal to minimize impact on local ecosystems.
Potential suitable locations could include agricultural lands that are not currently in use or have been degraded, provided this does not interfere with local food production. Given its proximity to the river, care should also be taken to avoid flood-prone areas.
In terms of specific locations near Pathein that could be suitable for large-scale solar PV installations based purely on topography (not considering other factors like land ownership or environmental impact), potential sites could include:
1) To the north-east of Pathein where there seems to be relatively flat and open terrain.
2) Areas along Highway 5 towards Hinthada which appear less populated.
3) South-west of Pathein towards Ngaputaw where there are extensive rice fields.
However, it should be noted that any large-scale project like this would need in-depth feasibility studies including environmental impact assessments before proceeding.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 1st of February 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.
