Solar Energy Potential in Bhaktapur, Bagmati Province, Nepal

The location of Bhaktapur, Bagmati Province, Nepal, situated at 27.6678° N latitude and 85.419° E longitude, offers a promising opportunity for solar energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Sub-Tropical region experiences varying levels of solar radiation across different seasons, making it an interesting case study for solar PV installations.

Seasonal Solar Output

Solar energy production in Bhaktapur shows notable fluctuations across seasons. Spring emerges as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 6.06 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. This is followed by autumn and summer, which yield 4.67 kWh/day and 4.61 kWh/day, respectively. Winter sees a slight dip in production, generating 4.39 kWh/day.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed solar panel installations in Bhaktapur, Bagmati Province, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 27 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated considering various factors, including daily solar elevation angles, optimal panel tilt, and NASA's solar irradiance data, while accounting for the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Best Times for Solar Generation

While Bhaktapur enjoys relatively consistent solar potential throughout the year, spring stands out as the prime season for solar energy generation. The extended daylight hours and clearer skies during this period contribute to the heightened solar output. Summer and autumn also offer favorable conditions for solar energy production.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Despite the generally favorable conditions, there are some environmental and weather factors that could potentially impact solar production in Bhaktapur: 1. Monsoon season: The region experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon months (typically June to September), which can lead to reduced solar output due to cloud cover and potential panel soiling. 2. Air pollution: Bhaktapur, Bagmati Province, being part of the Kathmandu Valley, can experience air pollution, which may slightly reduce solar panel efficiency. To mitigate these challenges, the following preventative measures can be taken:

• Install panels at a steeper angle to promote self-cleaning during rainfall
• Implement regular cleaning schedules, especially during and after the monsoon season
• Use high-quality, dust-resistant solar panels
• Consider a tracking system to maximize energy capture throughout the year

By addressing these factors and optimizing the installation, Bhaktapur can harness its considerable solar potential effectively, making it a suitable location for solar PV energy generation year-round.

Note: The Northern Sub Tropics extend from 23.5° latitude North up to 35° latitude.

So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 40 locations across Nepal. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Nepal by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Bhaktapur

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 27.6678, Longitude: 85.419 (Bhaktapur, Nepal), 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 27° South in Bhaktapur, Nepal

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bhaktapur, Nepal (Lat/Long 27.6678, 85.419) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 27° 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 Bhaktapur, Nepal

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 Bhaktapur, Nepal. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 27° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
11° South in Summer	34° South in Autumn	43° South in Winter	22° 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 Bhaktapur, Nepal

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 Bhaktapur, Nepal.

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 Bhaktapur, Nepal

Bhaktapur, Nepal is situated in a region with diverse and interesting topography. The city itself lies in the Kathmandu Valley, which is a relatively flat area surrounded by hills and mountains. The valley floor where Bhaktapur is located has an elevation of about 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) above sea level.

To the north and east of Bhaktapur, the terrain begins to rise into the foothills of the Himalayas. These hills become progressively steeper and higher as you move further from the city. The landscape in this direction is characterized by terraced farmland, forested slopes, and small villages perched on hillsides.

To the south and west, the land remains relatively flat for some distance before gradually ascending into hills. This area is primarily agricultural, with rice paddies and other crops dominating the landscape. Small streams and rivers crisscross the valley floor, eventually joining the larger Bagmati River system.

Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV installations, the most promising locations would be in the flatter regions to the south and west of Bhaktapur. These areas offer several advantages for solar development:

1. They have more consistent, open terrain with fewer obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels.
2. The land is less valuable for other uses compared to the fertile valley floor closer to the city.
3. There's potentially more available space for large installations.
4. Access for construction and maintenance would be easier on flatter ground.

However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar project would need to carefully consider the impact on local agriculture, as much of this land is currently used for farming. Additionally, while the Kathmandu Valley receives ample sunlight, the region's occasional fog and air pollution could affect solar efficiency.

The hilly areas to the north and east, while potentially offering good sun exposure on south-facing slopes, would generally be less suitable for large-scale installations due to the challenging terrain and increased costs associated with building on steep or uneven ground.

Nepal solar PV Stats as a country

Nepal ranks 89th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 93 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 0.10% of Nepal's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 43rd in the world). Each year Nepal is generating 3 Watts from solar PV per capita (Nepal ranks 86th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Nepal?

Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Nepal. The Government of Nepal has implemented a number of policies and programs to promote the use of renewable energy sources such as solar power. These include tax exemptions, subsidies, and other financial incentives for businesses that install solar systems. Additionally, the government has established a Renewable Energy Fund which provides grants to support research and development activities related to renewable energy technologies.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Nepal? 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.