Solar PV Analysis of Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu, Bagmati Province, Nepal (latitude 27.7142, longitude 85.3145) is a suitable location for generating solar photovoltaic (PV) power throughout the year due to its consistent climate and ample sunlight exposure. The average daily energy production per kW of installed solar capacity varies by season: 4.61 kWh in summer, 4.67 kWh in autumn, 4.39 kWh in winter, and 6.06 kWh in spring. Spring is the most favorable season for solar power generation at this location because of longer daylight hours and higher levels of sunshine intensity compared to other seasons.
However, certain weather conditions could pose challenges for solar PV power generation in Kathmandu. High humidity can reduce sunlight availability by causing haze or fog; dust storms can decrease visibility and block direct sunlight; and heavy rainstorms can also limit the amount of sunlight accessible for solar PV systems.
To mitigate these factors and ensure greater energy production from solar installations, it is essential to consider preventative measures such as regular cleaning and maintenance of panels to remove dust or debris buildup that may obstruct sunlight absorption; installing panels with anti-reflective coatings that minimize glare losses caused by haze or fog; using tracking systems that follow the sun's path across the sky to maximize exposure during periods of reduced visibility; and selecting high-quality components designed to withstand harsh weather conditions like heavy rainstorms.
Additionally, tilting panels at an optimal angle of 27 degrees south will further enhance their efficiency by capturing maximum sunlight throughout the year at this specific location in Kathmandu, Bagmati Province, Nepal (latitude 27.7142, longitude 85.3145).
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 Kathmandu
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 27.7142, Longitude: 85.3145 (Kathmandu, 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 Kathmandu, Nepal
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kathmandu, Nepal (Lat/Long 27.7142, 85.3145) 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 Kathmandu, 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 Kathmandu, 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 Kathmandu, 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 Kathmandu, Nepal.
Our calculation method
- Solar Position:
We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination. - Shadow Projection:
We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle. - 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 Kathmandu, Nepal
The topography around Kathmandu, Nepal is mostly mountainous with some flat areas. The nearby areas that are most suited for large-scale solar PV installations would be the flatlands and low lying hills as they will receive more direct sunlight than the higher elevation mountains. These areas are generally located to the east and south of Kathmandu near Bhaktapur, Banepa, Dhulikhel, Panauti, and Chovar.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 10th of August 2022
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
