Solar Energy Potential in Gorkha, Gandaki Pradesh, Nepal

Gorkha, Gandaki Pradesh, Nepal, located at 28°N latitude and 84.6333°E longitude in the Northern Sub Tropics, presents a promising location for solar energy generation. The region experiences varying levels of solar energy production throughout the year, with each season offering different potential for electricity output. Spring stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.62 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. This high output is likely due to clear skies and moderate temperatures, creating ideal conditions for solar panel efficiency. Summer and autumn follow closely, with 4.54 kWh/day and 4.64 kWh/day respectively, still providing substantial energy generation. Winter sees a slight dip in production, with 3.99 kWh/day, but this output remains significant and demonstrates the year-round viability of solar energy in Gorkha. The relatively consistent production across seasons indicates that solar PV systems in this location can provide a reliable source of renewable energy throughout the year.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Gorkha, Gandaki Pradesh, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 27 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated taking into account the location's latitude, the Earth's elliptical orbit, and daily solar elevation angles, ensuring optimal exposure to sunlight throughout the year.

Environmental Considerations

While Gorkha's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider. The region's mountainous terrain may cause shading issues in some areas, potentially reducing solar panel efficiency. To mitigate this, careful site selection and panel placement are crucial, ensuring maximum exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Nepal's monsoon season, typically from June to September, could impact solar production due to increased cloud cover and rainfall. However, the data suggests that summer and autumn still maintain good energy output despite these conditions. Installing high-quality, weather-resistant panels and ensuring proper drainage systems can help maintain efficiency during the rainy season. Dust accumulation on panels can be a concern, especially during dry periods. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the solar panels can help prevent this issue and maintain optimal energy production. Additionally, investing in panels with anti-soiling coatings can reduce the frequency of required cleaning. Overall, Gorkha, Gandaki Pradesh, Nepal presents a favorable location for solar PV installations, with consistent year-round energy production potential and manageable environmental challenges that can be addressed through proper planning and maintenance.

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 Gorkha

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 28, Longitude: 84.6333 (Gorkha, 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 Gorkha, Nepal

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Gorkha, Nepal (Lat/Long 28, 84.6333) 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 Gorkha, 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 Gorkha, 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
12° 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 Gorkha, 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 Gorkha, 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 Gorkha, Nepal

Gorkha, Nepal, situated at approximately 28 degrees north latitude and 84.6333 degrees east longitude, is characterized by a diverse and rugged topography typical of the Himalayan region. The landscape surrounding Gorkha is a complex mix of steep hills, deep valleys, and terraced farmlands, with elevations ranging from around 300 meters in the southern lowlands to over 8,000 meters in the high Himalayas to the north. The immediate vicinity of Gorkha town is dominated by rolling hills and ridges, with the town itself perched on a hillside. These hills are often covered in lush vegetation, particularly during the monsoon season. As one moves northward from Gorkha, the terrain becomes increasingly dramatic, with deeper valleys carved by fast-flowing rivers and higher, more rugged mountains. The famous Manaslu and Ganesh Himal ranges are visible from many vantage points in the region, their snow-capped peaks forming an impressive backdrop. To the south of Gorkha, the landscape gradually transitions into the Terai region, characterized by flatter terrain and subtropical forests. This area is marked by broader river valleys and gentler slopes, providing a stark contrast to the mountainous north.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Gorkha for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors must be taken into account, including topography, sunlight exposure, accessibility, and land availability. Given these considerations, the most suitable areas for solar PV development would likely be: The southern lowlands of the Gorkha district, where the terrain is relatively flat and open, would be ideal for solar farms. These areas receive ample sunlight and have fewer obstructions from mountains or dense forests. The gentler topography also makes construction and maintenance easier. Some of the wider river valleys in the region, particularly those with south-facing slopes, could be suitable for solar installations. These areas often have good road access and are close to existing power infrastructure. Terraced hillsides that are no longer used for agriculture could be repurposed for solar panels. While not ideal for large-scale installations due to the uneven terrain, these areas could support smaller, distributed solar projects. It's important to note that while the mountainous regions receive intense sunlight at high altitudes, the extreme topography and difficult access make these areas less practical for large-scale solar developments. Additionally, any solar project would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, land use rights, and the region's susceptibility to natural hazards such as landslides and earthquakes.

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.