Gaighat, Koshi, Nepal, located in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 26.7918, 86.6918, presents a generally favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year, with some seasonal variations.

Seasonal Solar Production

Solar energy production in Gaighat shows interesting seasonal patterns. Spring stands out as the most productive season, with panels generating an impressive 5.83 kWh per day for each kilowatt installed. Summer follows with a solid 4.72 kWh/day, while autumn remains close behind at 4.56 kWh/day. Winter shows the lowest production at 3.65 kWh/day, though this still represents reasonable output.

For fixed panel installations in Gaighat, Koshi, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 25 degrees facing South. This specific angle optimizes energy capture across all seasons, balancing the varying solar elevations throughout the year.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors could potentially affect solar production in Gaighat:

• Monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rainfall and increased cloud cover, potentially reducing solar efficiency despite longer summer days
• Dust accumulation during dry periods can significantly decrease panel efficiency
• Occasional haze from agricultural burning in the region might temporarily reduce solar radiation reaching panels

Preventative Measures

To maximize solar production in Gaighat, Koshi, several preventative measures should be considered during installation:

• Implement regular cleaning schedules, especially before and after monsoon season
• Install panels at the recommended 25-degree South-facing tilt
• Consider slightly elevated mounting systems to prevent dust accumulation
• Use quality inverters that perform well in high-temperature conditions
• Ensure adequate spacing between panels for proper airflow to reduce heat-related efficiency losses

Overall, Gaighat offers good conditions for solar PV generation, with annual average daily production of approximately 4.69 kWh per installed kilowatt. The pronounced spring peak makes this an especially attractive time for solar energy harvesting, while even the winter months provide reasonable output compared to many other locations at similar latitudes.

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 Gaighat

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 26.7918, Longitude: 86.6918 (Gaighat, 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 Gaighat, Nepal

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Gaighat, Nepal (Lat/Long 26.7918, 86.6918) 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 Gaighat, 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 Gaighat, 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
11° 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 Gaighat, 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 Gaighat, 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 Gaighat, Nepal

Gaighat, situated in the southeastern region of Nepal, presents a varied and interesting topographical landscape. Located at coordinates 26.7918°N, 86.6918°E, the area forms part of the Inner Terai region, characterized by a blend of flat plains and gentle undulations that gradually rise towards the foothills of the Himalayas to the north. The immediate vicinity of Gaighat features relatively flat terrain, typical of the Terai plains that extend across southern Nepal. This flatland is intersected by several river systems, most notably the Triyuga River, which flows through the area and contributes to the fertile alluvial soil that supports the region's agricultural activities. The river valley creates natural depressions and elevated areas, forming a subtle yet distinctive topographical pattern across the landscape.

Surrounding Topographical Features

Moving outward from Gaighat, the landscape begins to show more pronounced variations. To the north, the terrain gradually gains elevation as it transitions into the Siwalik Hills (also known as the Churia Range), the southernmost and lowest range of the Himalayan mountain system. These hills, while modest compared to the mighty Himalayan peaks further north, still present a significant change in elevation from the Terai plains. To the south, the landscape maintains its predominantly flat character, extending towards the border with India. This area is characterized by extensive agricultural fields, scattered settlements, and occasional patches of forest and vegetation. The east and west directions from Gaighat continue the pattern of the Terai plains, with gentle undulations and river valleys creating minor topographical variations. Several smaller tributaries of the major rivers in the region crisscross this landscape, adding to its geographical diversity.

Potential Areas for Solar PV Development

When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Gaighat, several factors come into play, including topography, land availability, accessibility, and potential environmental impacts. The flat plains to the south of Gaighat present perhaps the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV development. These areas offer several advantages: the flat terrain reduces construction complexity and cost, the open landscape minimizes shading issues, and the agricultural nature of much of this land means there are potentially large contiguous plots available for development. Specifically, the areas extending southward towards the Indian border could be particularly well-suited. These regions typically experience less flooding than areas closer to major rivers and have good road connectivity, which would facilitate both construction and ongoing maintenance of solar installations. Some of the gently elevated areas within the plains, slightly higher than the flood-prone zones near rivers, would be especially advantageous for solar PV deployment. These elevated sections are less likely to experience seasonal flooding and often have better drainage, reducing the risk of water damage to solar infrastructure. It's worth noting that while the Siwalik Hills to the north might seem attractive due to their elevation, their steeper slopes and often forested nature make them less practical for large-scale solar developments. The construction challenges, potential environmental impacts, and reduced accessibility in these hilly areas generally make them less suitable compared to the open plains. The areas immediately adjacent to rivers should generally be avoided due to flood risks, but the slightly elevated terraces that often form along river valleys can sometimes offer good locations for smaller-scale solar installations. In summary, the flat to gently undulating plains extending south from Gaighat, particularly those areas with good road access and at a safe distance from flood-prone river zones, would likely be the most suitable locations for large-scale solar PV development in the region.

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.