Urlabari, Koshi, Nepal, situated in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 26.6718, 87.6317, presents a generally favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The seasonal variations in solar output provide insights into the potential for renewable energy production in this area.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Spring emerges as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 5.62 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. This is followed closely by autumn, yielding 4.60 kWh/day. Summer maintains a solid performance at 4.44 kWh/day, while winter sees a slight dip to 3.79 kWh/day. These figures indicate that Urlabari enjoys consistent solar potential throughout the year, with only a moderate decrease during the winter months.

Optimal Panel Positioning

For those considering a fixed panel installation in Urlabari, Koshi, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 25 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.

Environmental Considerations

While Urlabari's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider: 1. Monsoon season: Heavy rainfall and increased cloud cover during the summer monsoon (June to September) may temporarily reduce solar output. 2. Air pollution: Particulate matter from nearby agricultural activities or urban areas could accumulate on panels, potentially decreasing efficiency.

Preventative Measures

To mitigate these challenges and ensure optimal energy production, consider implementing the following measures: 1. Install a robust cleaning system or schedule regular manual cleaning to combat dust and pollution buildup. 2. Use high-quality, weather-resistant panels designed to perform well in humid conditions. 3. Implement a slight increase in panel tilt during the monsoon season to aid in natural cleaning by rainwater.

Overall, Urlabari's location offers promising potential for solar PV energy generation. With proper planning and maintenance, a solar installation in this area can provide a reliable and sustainable source of electricity throughout the year.

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 Urlabari

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 26.6718, Longitude: 87.6317 (Urlabari, 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 Urlabari, Nepal

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Urlabari, Nepal (Lat/Long 26.6718, 87.6317) 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 Urlabari, 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 Urlabari, 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
10° 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 Urlabari, 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 Urlabari, 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 Urlabari, Nepal

The topography around Urlabari, Nepal, is characterized by a diverse landscape that transitions from the flat plains of the Terai region to the foothills of the Himalayas. Urlabari itself is situated in a relatively flat area, with the terrain gradually becoming more undulating and hilly as one moves northward. To the south of Urlabari, the land is predominantly flat and low-lying, typical of the Terai region. This area is part of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, featuring fertile soil and numerous rivers and streams. The flat terrain extends for many kilometers, creating a vast expanse of agricultural land and scattered settlements. As one moves north from Urlabari, the landscape begins to change. The flat plains give way to gently rolling hills and small valleys. These foothills, known locally as the Siwalik or Churia Hills, form the first rising terrain encountered when moving from the Terai towards the Himalayas. These hills are generally low in elevation, rarely exceeding 1,500 meters above sea level. Further north, the terrain becomes increasingly rugged and mountainous. The hills become steeper and higher, eventually transitioning into the Middle Hills region of Nepal. This area is characterized by deep valleys, terraced hillsides, and dense forests.

Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, the flat Terai region to the south of Urlabari presents the most promising opportunities. This area offers several advantages for solar energy development: Firstly, the flat terrain of the Terai provides ample open space for the installation of large solar arrays. The lack of significant elevation changes means that land preparation costs would be relatively low, and the panels could be easily arranged for optimal sun exposure. Secondly, the Terai region experiences less cloud cover and fog compared to the hilly areas, resulting in more consistent sunlight throughout the year. This factor is crucial for maximizing solar energy generation. Additionally, the proximity to existing infrastructure in the Terai, including roads and power transmission lines, would facilitate the construction and grid integration of solar facilities. While the hilly areas to the north might offer some suitable sites for smaller-scale solar installations, particularly on south-facing slopes, they generally present more challenges for large-scale development due to the uneven terrain and potential shading from nearby hills. It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would require careful site-specific assessments, including detailed solar radiation studies, environmental impact evaluations, and consideration of local land use patterns. The fertile agricultural land of the Terai would need to be carefully balanced with energy development needs to ensure sustainable land use practices.

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.