Solar PV Analysis of Surkhet, Nepal
Surkhet, Karnali Pradesh, Nepal, located in the Northern Sub Tropics, is a fairly good location for generating solar energy all year round. The amount of electricity produced by each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar panels varies by season. In summer and autumn, you can expect around 4.69 and 4.56 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day respectively. Winter sees a bit less production at about 3.81 kWh/day due to shorter daylight hours and lower sun position while spring leads with the highest output at approximately 6.45 kWh/day.
The most ideal time of year to generate solar power in Surkhet would be during the spring when sunlight is abundant resulting in higher energy production from the panels.
For maximum efficiency throughout the year, it's recommended that fixed panel installations are tilted at an angle of 27 degrees facing southward to capture as much sunlight as possible.
When considering environmental or weather factors that could potentially hinder solar production in this region, one must consider monsoon seasons which are characterized by heavy rainfall and cloud cover reducing sunlight exposure on the panels significantly thus affecting their performance.
To help ensure greater energy production despite these factors, some preventative measures can be taken when installing your solar system:
1) Regular Cleaning: Dust accumulation or bird droppings on panels can block sunlight hence regular cleaning will ensure they work efficiently.
2) Proper Installation: Ensure that there are no shadows cast on any part of your solar array throughout the day.
3) Use Solar Trackers: These devices follow the sun’s path across the sky improving overall efficiency particularly during less sunny periods.
4) Install High-Quality Panels: Opt for high-quality photovoltaic cells which perform better under low light conditions.
5) Have a Backup System: This could either be a battery storage system or connection to grid power to cater for times when generation from your panels is low especially during rainy seasons.
In conclusion, while Surkhet, Karnali Pradesh, Nepal is a good place for solar power generation throughout the year, attention must be paid to seasonal variations and potential environmental factors that could affect performance. With the right measures in place, you can maximize your solar energy production in this location.
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 Surkhet
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 28.6108, Longitude: 81.6003 (Surkhet, 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 Surkhet, Nepal
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Surkhet, Nepal (Lat/Long 28.6108, 81.6003) 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 Surkhet, 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 Surkhet, 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 Surkhet, 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 Surkhet, 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 Surkhet, Nepal
Surkhet is located in the Bheri zone of Nepal and is situated in a valley. It has an average elevation of about 600 meters above sea level. The topography consists mainly of flat terrains with some hilly areas surrounding it.
The climate in Surkhet is tropical and subtropical, with warm summers and mild winters which makes it suitable for solar PV installations. The region receives ample sunlight throughout the year, especially during summer months.
For large-scale solar PV installations, flat terrains are preferred as they allow easy installation and maintenance of solar panels while maximizing sun exposure. Therefore, the flat lands within Surkhet valley could be potential sites for large-scale solar PV projects.
Additionally, open spaces on the outskirts or nearby less densely populated areas can also be considered to avoid any potential issues related to land acquisition or obstruction to sunlight caused by buildings or other structures.
However, a detailed site-specific feasibility study would need to be conducted considering various factors such as land availability, proximity to transmission lines or substations (for grid connection), local regulations among others before deciding on specific locations for such projects.
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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Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Sunday 7th of July 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.
