Solar PV Analysis of Chilaw, Sri Lanka
Chilaw, North Western Province, Sri Lanka is a great location for generating solar energy all year round. This is because it's located in the Tropics where sunlight is consistent throughout most of the year. The amount of electricity that can be generated from each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar power varies slightly by season but remains relatively high: 6.31 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day in summer, 5.65 kWh/day in autumn, 6.24 kWh/day in winter and 6.55 kWh/day in spring.
The best times to generate solar power at this location are during the summer and spring when daily output per kW of installed solar is highest. However, even during autumn and winter months, the output still remains significant making it an ideal spot for year-round energy production.
To maximise total yearly production from your solar PV system at this location, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 7 degrees towards the south if you have a fixed panel installation.
However, there could be some local factors that might affect your ability to generate maximum amounts of electricity from your panels such as weather conditions like heavy rainfall or dust accumulation on panels which may reduce their efficiency over time.
Heavy rainfall could potentially cause damage to the equipment or lead to less sunlight reaching your panels due to cloud cover while dust can block sunlight from reaching them fully thereby reducing their effectiveness.
To mitigate these issues, make sure that you install sturdy and weather-resistant equipment that can withstand heavy rainfalls typical during wet seasons here; also consider regular cleaning services for your panels especially after dry seasons when dust accumulation might be higher than usual so they perform optimally all year round.
In conclusion, Chilaw offers excellent potential for generating substantial quantities of clean energy through solar power with just a few practical considerations needed regarding panel maintenance and protection against seasonal weather variations.
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 Chilaw
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 7.5719, Longitude: 79.7907 (Chilaw, 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 7° South in Chilaw, Sri Lanka
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Chilaw, Sri Lanka (Lat/Long 7.5719, 79.7907) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 7° 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 Chilaw, 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 Chilaw, Sri Lanka. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 7° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8° North in Summer | 13° South in Autumn | 23° South in Winter | 2° 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 Chilaw, 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 Chilaw, 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 Chilaw, Sri Lanka
Chilaw is located on the flat coastal plain of Sri Lanka's Northwestern Province. The area is characterized by sandy beaches, lagoons and mangroves, with some occasional low-lying hills inland. The region experiences a tropical monsoon climate and receives ample sunlight throughout the year.
The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations near Chilaw would be:
1. Flat open lands: Large tracts of flat open land are ideal for setting up ground-mounted solar panel arrays. Such areas could include agricultural fields or unused land that receive good sunlight exposure.
2. Rooftops: Industrial buildings or warehouses in Chilaw city or nearby industrial zones could have large rooftops that can accommodate extensive rooftop solar systems.
3. Near existing infrastructure: Areas close to existing power lines and substations would be advantageous as they reduce the cost associated with connecting the solar farm to the grid.
4. Coastal areas: While coastal regions may face issues related to corrosion due to sea air, they also tend to have fewer obstructions (like tall trees or buildings) that can block sunlight, making them potential sites for solar installations if appropriate protective measures are taken.
However, it's important to note that any potential site will need a detailed assessment considering various factors like local climate conditions (including cloud cover and rainfall), land availability and use restrictions, proximity to power grids, environmental impact assessments etc., before deciding its suitability for large-scale solar PV installation.
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: Friday 28th 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.
