Dhulikhel, Bagmati Province, Nepal, located in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 27.6103°N, 85.5557°E, offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The seasonal electricity output per kW of installed solar capacity showcases the area's potential for consistent solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Spring stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 6.06 kWh/day output per kW installed. Autumn and summer follow closely, generating 4.67 kWh/day and 4.61 kWh/day, respectively. Even during winter, the solar panels maintain a respectable output of 4.39 kWh/day per kW installed.

The relatively stable output across seasons indicates that Dhulikhel is well-suited for year-round solar energy generation. However, the significant increase in spring production suggests that this season offers the most ideal conditions for solar power generation in the area.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed panel installations in Dhulikhel, Bagmati Province, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 27 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and seasonal variations in solar elevation.

Environmental Considerations

While Dhulikhel presents favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

• Monsoon season: Heavy rainfall and increased cloud cover during the summer monsoon (June to September) may temporarily reduce solar panel efficiency.
• Air pollution: Dhulikhel's proximity to Kathmandu Valley may expose it to air pollution, which can deposit particulate matter on solar panels, potentially reducing their effectiveness.

Preventative Measures

To mitigate these potential challenges and ensure optimal energy production, consider implementing the following measures when installing solar PV systems in Dhulikhel:

1. Install panels at the recommended 27-degree tilt to maximize year-round production and promote natural cleaning during rainfall.
2. Implement a regular cleaning schedule, especially during the dry season, to remove dust and pollutants from panel surfaces.
3. Use high-quality, weather-resistant panels designed to withstand heavy rainfall and humidity.
4. Consider incorporating a backup energy storage system to compensate for potential reduced output during the monsoon season.

By addressing these factors, solar PV installations in Dhulikhel can take full advantage of the location's favorable conditions and maintain high energy production levels throughout the year.

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 Dhulikhel

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 27.6103, Longitude: 85.5557 (Dhulikhel, 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 Dhulikhel, Nepal

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Dhulikhel, Nepal (Lat/Long 27.6103, 85.5557) 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 Dhulikhel, 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 Dhulikhel, 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	33° 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 Dhulikhel, 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 Dhulikhel, 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 Dhulikhel, Nepal

Dhulikhel, a picturesque town in Nepal, is nestled in the eastern part of the Kathmandu Valley, offering a stunning panoramic view of the Himalayas. The topography around Dhulikhel is characterized by its hilly terrain, with elevations ranging from approximately 1,500 to 2,000 meters above sea level. The landscape is a mix of terraced hillsides, lush forests, and small valleys, creating a diverse and visually striking environment. The area surrounding Dhulikhel features numerous ridges and slopes, with some flat areas interspersed throughout the region. To the north, the terrain gradually rises towards the foothills of the Himalayas, while to the south, it descends into the Kathmandu Valley. The eastern and western sides of Dhulikhel are marked by rolling hills and small river valleys, which contribute to the region's varied topography.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Dhulikhel for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would be those with ample sunlight exposure, relatively flat terrain, and minimal shading from surrounding hills or vegetation. One promising area for solar PV development could be the southern slopes of the hills surrounding Dhulikhel. These areas generally receive more direct sunlight throughout the day and may have gentler gradients, making them suitable for solar panel installation. The lower elevations to the south of Dhulikhel, as the terrain transitions into the Kathmandu Valley, might also offer potential sites for large-scale solar projects. Another possibility lies in the broader, flatter areas within the nearby valleys. These locations, while potentially more limited in size, could provide the necessary space and topographical conditions for solar farms. Additionally, some of the terraced hillsides, if properly adapted, might be repurposed for solar energy production. It's important to note that while the hilly terrain around Dhulikhel presents some challenges for large-scale solar installations, it also offers opportunities for innovative solutions. For example, south-facing slopes could be utilized with specially designed mounting systems to maximize solar exposure. Any large-scale solar PV project in this region would need to carefully consider environmental impact, land use regulations, and the preservation of agricultural areas. Additionally, proximity to existing power infrastructure and accessibility for construction and maintenance would be crucial factors in determining the most suitable locations for solar energy development near Dhulikhel.

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.