Solar PV Analysis of Boralesgamuwa South, Sri Lanka
Boralesgamuwa South in Sri Lanka, located in the Tropics, is a good location for generating solar energy throughout the year due to its consistent sunlight. The amount of electricity that can be produced per kilowatt of installed solar panels varies slightly by season but remains relatively high: 6.03kWh/day in Summer, 5.52kWh/day in Autumn, 6.20kWh/day in Winter and 6.46kWh/day in Spring.
Given this consistency, there isn't much variation between seasons making it an ideal location for year-round solar power generation. However, Spring seems to be the most productive time for generating solar energy at this location as it provides the highest daily output.
For a fixed panel installation at this location, tilting panels at an angle of 6 degrees towards the South would help maximize total yearly production from these solar installations.
However, some factors could potentially hinder optimal energy production here such as heavy rainfall during wet seasons or dust accumulation on panels which could block sunlight penetration and reduce efficiency.
To mitigate these issues:
1) During wet seasons when rain is frequent and heavy - installing self-cleaning or easy-to-clean solar panels can help maintain their efficiency;
2) In case of dust accumulation - regular cleaning and maintenance schedules should be planned;
3) Installing sturdy mounts that can withstand strong winds (which are common during certain periods), will also ensure that your setup remains safe and intact through all kinds of weather conditions;
4) Using micro-inverters instead of central inverters can also help increase overall system performance as each panel will operate independently ensuring maximum output even if one or more units are underperforming due to shading or dirt coverage.
So while Boralesgamuwa South is generally favorable for generating solar power thanks to its tropical climate with consistent sunshine throughout most part of the year; careful planning considering local environmental factors along with proper maintenance measures can ensure optimal and consistent energy production from your solar installation.
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 109 locations across Sri Lanka. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Sri Lanka by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Boralesgamuwa South
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 6.8345, Longitude: 79.9106 (Boralesgamuwa South, Sri Lanka), 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 6° South in Boralesgamuwa South, Sri Lanka
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Boralesgamuwa South, Sri Lanka (Lat/Long 6.8345, 79.9106) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 6° 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 Boralesgamuwa South, Sri Lanka
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 Boralesgamuwa South, Sri Lanka. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 6° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9° North in Summer | 12° South in Autumn | 22° South in Winter | 1° 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 Boralesgamuwa South, Sri Lanka
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 Boralesgamuwa South, Sri Lanka.
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 Boralesgamuwa South, Sri Lanka
Boralesgamuwa South is located in the Colombo District of Sri Lanka. The area around it is relatively flat, with some gently rolling terrain. The region experiences a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year, making it suitable for solar PV installations.
The topography does not feature any significant mountains or hills that could obstruct sunlight. Therefore, large-scale solar PV installations can be considered in this area given its ample sun exposure.
However, several factors need to be taken into account when identifying specific sites for large-scale solar PV projects:
1) Land Availability: Large open spaces without shading from trees or buildings are ideal for installing solar panels. Agricultural lands or unused industrial areas can be potential locations.
2) Proximity to Grid Connection: Sites close to existing power lines would have lower costs related to grid connection and transmission of electricity generated by the solar farm.
3) Environmental Impact: Any proposed site should have minimal impact on local biodiversity and water resources.
4) Local Regulations: Compliance with zoning laws and other local regulations regarding land use is crucial.
In terms of specific nearby areas suited for large-scale Solar PV, suburbs such as Maharagama, Piliyandala, Kesbewa could potentially host such facilities considering they have more open spaces compared to urbanized regions closer to Colombo city center.
It's also important that a detailed feasibility study including assessments like shadow analysis, grid connectivity study etc., are performed before finalizing any location for setting up a large scale Solar PV plant.
Sri Lanka solar PV Stats as a country
Sri Lanka ranks 55th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 434 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Sri Lanka is generating 20 Watts from solar PV per capita (Sri Lanka ranks 66th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Sri Lanka?
Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Sri Lanka. The government of Sri Lanka 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 set up 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 Sri Lanka? 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: Tuesday 16th 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.
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Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
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