Subic, Central Luzon, Philippines, located at 14.8826° N, 120.2333° E, offers a promising environment for solar energy generation throughout the year. This tropical location benefits from consistent sunlight, with seasons primarily characterized by wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature variations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output in Subic remains relatively stable across seasons, with a notable peak in spring: • Summer: 5.27 kWh/day • Autumn: 5.19 kWh/day • Winter: 5.07 kWh/day • Spring: 6.94 kWh/day These figures represent the expected daily electricity output per kilowatt of installed solar capacity. The consistency in output during summer, autumn, and winter is particularly advantageous, ensuring reliable energy production for most of the year.

Optimal Solar Generation Period

Spring stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Subic, Central Luzon, with a significant increase in daily output. This surge can be attributed to clearer skies and optimal sun angles during this period. However, the relatively small variation between other seasons means that solar installations can operate efficiently year-round, making Subic an excellent location for consistent solar energy production.

Panel Tilt Angle for Maximum Efficiency

For fixed solar panel installations in Subic, Central Luzon, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 14 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, weighted by NASA's solar irradiance data.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

While Subic's tropical climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some factors to consider: 1. Typhoons: The Philippines is prone to tropical cyclones, which can potentially damage solar installations. To mitigate this risk, robust mounting systems and high-quality, weather-resistant panels should be used. 2. Heavy rainfall: The wet season can bring prolonged periods of cloud cover and rain, potentially reducing solar output. Installing panels with high efficiency in low-light conditions can help maintain productivity during these times. 3. High humidity: The tropical climate's humidity can lead to accelerated degradation of solar equipment. Using corrosion-resistant materials and ensuring proper sealing of electrical components can extend the lifespan of the installation. 4. Dust and pollution: Urban areas may experience air pollution, while rural areas might face dust issues. Regular cleaning and maintenance of panels can help maintain optimal performance. By addressing these factors through appropriate design and maintenance practices, solar installations in Subic can achieve high levels of energy production throughout the year, taking full advantage of the location's favorable solar conditions.

Note: The Tropics are located between 23.5° North and -23.5° South of the equator.

So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 257 locations across Philippines. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Philippines by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Subic

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 14.8826, Longitude: 120.2333 (Subic, Philippines), 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 14° South in Subic, Philippines

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Subic, Philippines (Lat/Long 14.8826, 120.2333) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 14° 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 Subic, Philippines

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 Subic, Philippines. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 14° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
1° North in Summer	21° South in Autumn	30° South in Winter	8° 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 Subic, Philippines

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 Subic, Philippines.

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 Subic, Philippines

The topography around Subic, Philippines, is a diverse and picturesque landscape that combines coastal features with inland mountainous terrain. Situated on the western coast of Luzon Island, Subic is nestled between the South China Sea and the Zambales Mountains. The area is characterized by a mix of flat coastal plains, gently rolling hills, and steep mountain slopes. Along the coast, you'll find sandy beaches and coves, with the shoreline curving to form Subic Bay. This natural harbor is sheltered by the surrounding landmass, making it an ideal location for naval and commercial port activities. As you move inland from the coast, the terrain gradually rises, transitioning from low-lying areas to undulating hills. The most prominent topographical feature in the region is the Zambales Mountain Range, which runs parallel to the coastline. These mountains create a dramatic backdrop to the east of Subic, with peaks reaching heights of over 1,000 meters. The slopes of these mountains are covered in lush tropical forests, adding to the area's natural beauty and biodiversity.

Suitable Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Subic, several factors come into play. The most suitable areas would be those that offer ample sunlight exposure, relatively flat terrain, and minimal environmental impact. The coastal plains and gently sloping areas to the north and northwest of Subic present promising locations for solar PV development. These areas benefit from consistent sunlight and have fewer obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels. The relatively flat terrain in these regions would also simplify construction and reduce installation costs. Another potential area for solar PV installations could be the cleared or deforested sections of land on the lower slopes of the Zambales Mountains. While care must be taken to avoid ecologically sensitive areas, these locations could provide good sun exposure and may already have some existing infrastructure for access. It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, land use regulations, and the local community's needs. Areas near existing power infrastructure or industrial zones might be particularly suitable, as they could more easily connect to the grid and face fewer land use conflicts. While Subic's tropical climate ensures abundant sunshine year-round, developers would need to account for the region's susceptibility to typhoons when designing and constructing solar installations. Proper engineering and robust mounting systems would be crucial to withstand strong winds and heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.

Philippines solar PV Stats as a country

Philippines ranks 40th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 1,370 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Philippines is generating 13 Watts from solar PV per capita (Philippines ranks 71st in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Philippines?

Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in the Philippines. These include:

1. The Feed-in Tariff (FiT) program, which provides a guaranteed rate of return on investments in renewable energy projects;

2. Tax credits and exemptions from certain taxes;

3. Net metering programs that allow businesses to sell excess electricity back to the grid;

4. Grants and loans from government agencies such as the Department of Energy and the Philippine Solar Power Alliance;

5. Technical assistance from organizations like USAID’s Clean Energy Program; and

6. Access to financing through banks, venture capital firms, or other sources of private capital.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Philippines? 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.

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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.