Solar PV Analysis of Pokhara, Nepal
Pokhara, Gandaki Pradesh, Nepal is a pretty good location for generating solar power all year round. The amount of electricity you can produce from solar panels depends on the amount of sunlight they receive. In Pokhara, Gandaki Pradesh, you can expect to generate about 4.43 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day in the summer for each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar panels, 4.59 kWh/day in autumn, 4.15 kWh/day in winter and 5.85 kWh/day in spring.
This means that spring would be the best time to generate solar energy at this location because it has the highest daily output value among all seasons due to more hours of daylight and clearer skies compared to other seasons.
To get the most out of your solar panels throughout the year, they should be tilted at an angle of 27 degrees facing south if fixed installation is used - this allows them to capture as much sunlight as possible over different times of day and seasons.
However, there could be some factors which might affect how much energy you can produce from your solar panels in Pokhara. For instance, during monsoon season (June through September), heavy rainfalls and cloud cover could reduce sun exposure significantly leading to lower power generation from your PV system.
To combat these issues when installing a photovoltaic system here; choosing high-quality durable materials resistant against harsh weather conditions such as heavy rains or hailstorms will help ensure greater energy production despite these environmental challenges.
Also using tracking systems instead of fixed ones might increase efficiency by allowing panels' movement following sun's path across sky thereby maximizing exposure even during less sunny periods like monsoons or winters.
In conclusion, while there are certain seasonal variations and weather-related challenges pertaining specifically to Pokhara's climate that need consideration when installing a PV system; overall it remains an advantageous site for harnessing solar power throughout most parts of the year given its latitude and average daily sun exposure.
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 Pokhara
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 28.2706, Longitude: 83.9704 (Pokhara, 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 Pokhara, Nepal
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Pokhara, Nepal (Lat/Long 28.2706, 83.9704) 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 Pokhara, 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 Pokhara, 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 Pokhara, 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 Pokhara, 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 Pokhara, Nepal
Pokhara, Nepal is located in a valley and surrounded by the Himalayan mountains. The topography is quite varied with hills, flat terrains, lakes and rivers. Given its location at the foot of the Annapic Himalayas, it receives ample sunshine throughout most of the year making it potentially suitable for solar PV installations.
The best areas nearby for large-scale solar PV would likely be on flatter terrains or south-facing slopes that receive plenty of sunlight. This could include areas like Lekhnath to the east of Pokhara which has relatively flat terrain compared to other surrounding regions.
However, any decision about installing large-scale solar PV should take into account not just topographical considerations but also factors such as accessibility for installation and maintenance, proximity to power grids or demand centers for electricity, land ownership issues and potential environmental impacts.
It's also important to note that while Pokhara gets good sun exposure overall, there are seasonal variations due to monsoon rains as well as occasional cloud cover from mountain weather patterns. These factors can affect the efficiency and reliability of solar power generation.
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: Thursday 20th of June 2024
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.
