Birtamod, Koshi, Nepal is a reasonably good location for year-round solar energy generation, though it shows notable seasonal variation in solar output. Located in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 26.6463, 88.0074, this area experiences distinct patterns of solar production throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The location demonstrates strong seasonal differences in solar energy production. Spring emerges as the peak season with excellent output of 5.41kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity. Autumn performs well at 4.49kWh/day, while summer produces a moderate 4.14kWh/day. Winter shows the lowest production at 3.66kWh/day per kW installed, which is still acceptable for solar generation. For optimal year-round performance at Birtamod, Koshi, solar panels should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 25 degrees facing south. This angle maximizes total annual energy production by accounting for the sun's changing position throughout the seasons and the location's specific latitude.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Several significant factors in the Birtamod area can impact solar energy production and require careful consideration during installation:

• Monsoon Season: Heavy rainfall and extended cloudy periods during monsoon months can substantially reduce solar output
• High Humidity: Persistent moisture in the air can cause panel soiling and reduce light transmission
• Dust and Particulates: Agricultural activities and unpaved roads can create dust accumulation on panels
• Hail Risk: Occasional severe weather events may pose physical threats to solar installations

Preventative Installation Measures

To maximize energy production despite these challenges, several protective measures should be implemented. Installing panels with adequate drainage systems and slight forward tilt helps prevent water pooling during heavy rains. Using tempered glass panels with anti-reflective coatings improves durability and light transmission in humid conditions. Regular cleaning schedules become essential, particularly before and after monsoon seasons. Installing monitoring systems allows for quick identification of performance drops due to soiling or weather damage. Proper grounding and surge protection equipment protects against electrical issues during storms. Choosing high-quality mounting systems with corrosion-resistant materials ensures longevity in the humid subtropical climate. Strategic placement away from dust sources and adequate spacing between panel rows improves air circulation and reduces heat buildup, which can decrease efficiency in humid conditions.

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 Birtamod

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 26.6463, Longitude: 88.0074 (Birtamod, 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 25° South in Birtamod, Nepal

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Birtamod, Nepal (Lat/Long 26.6463, 88.0074) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 25° 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 Birtamod, 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 Birtamod, Nepal. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 25° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
10° South in Summer	32° South in Autumn	42° South in Winter	21° 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 Birtamod, 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 Birtamod, 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 Birtamod, Nepal

Topographical Features of Birtamod

Birtamod sits in the southeastern region of Nepal, positioned in the fertile Terai plains that stretch across the southern border with India. This area represents part of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, characterized by relatively flat terrain that gradually slopes from north to south. The elevation around Birtamod remains consistently low, typically ranging between 100 to 200 meters above sea level, creating an expansive landscape of agricultural fields and scattered settlements. The terrain immediately surrounding Birtamod consists primarily of alluvial deposits carried down from the Himalayan foothills over millennia. These sedimentary soils have created a remarkably level topography with gentle undulations rather than steep hills or valleys. The landscape is punctuated by numerous small rivers and seasonal streams that flow southward toward the Ganges basin, creating a network of waterways that drain the region during monsoon periods. Moving northward from Birtamod, the topography begins to change as the land approaches the Siwalik Hills, which form the outermost range of the Himalayan system. These foothills rise gradually from the plains, creating a transitional zone between the flat Terai and the more mountainous regions of central Nepal. The Siwalik range features rolling hills with elevations typically between 500 to 1,500 meters, covered in deciduous forests and interspersed with river valleys.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The extensive flat plains surrounding Birtamod present excellent opportunities for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations. The uniform topography eliminates many of the challenges associated with mountainous terrain, such as shading from adjacent peaks or the need for extensive ground preparation. These level agricultural areas can accommodate expansive solar arrays with minimal site modification, reducing installation costs and complexity. The areas immediately south and southwest of Birtamod appear particularly well-suited for solar development. These zones feature the flattest terrain with the least variation in elevation, providing optimal conditions for maximizing solar panel efficiency. The consistent grade allows for uniform panel orientation and spacing, while the stable soil conditions support the foundation requirements for large solar installations. Agricultural land in the broader Terai region offers significant potential, though careful consideration must be given to competing land uses. Many areas currently used for seasonal crops could potentially accommodate agrivoltaic systems, where solar panels are installed at heights that allow continued agricultural activities beneath. This approach could be particularly beneficial in areas where farming productivity is limited by irregular rainfall or other environmental factors. The river valleys and floodplains in the region, while flat and spacious, may present challenges for solar development due to periodic flooding during monsoon seasons. However, elevated areas between these waterways often provide ideal conditions with excellent drainage and stable ground conditions. These slightly raised areas maintain the topographical advantages of the plains while avoiding the risks associated with seasonal water accumulation. Areas closer to the Siwalik foothills, while offering some elevation advantages, become less suitable for large-scale solar development due to increasing terrain complexity and potential shading issues. The rolling hills and forest cover in these northern areas make them better suited for smaller, distributed solar installations rather than utility-scale projects.

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.