Dewalapola, Western Province, Sri Lanka, situated at 7.1696° N, 79.9916° E, presents a promising location for solar energy generation throughout the year. This tropical setting benefits from consistent sunlight, with seasons primarily distinguished by wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature fluctuations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy potential in Dewalapola demonstrates remarkable consistency across all seasons. Spring emerges as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 6.55 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Summer follows closely behind at 6.31 kWh/day, while winter maintains a strong performance at 6.24 kWh/day. Autumn, although slightly less productive, still delivers a respectable 5.65 kWh/day. This minimal variation between seasons indicates that Dewalapola is an excellent location for year-round solar energy production. The relatively small difference between the highest and lowest seasonal outputs (less than 1 kWh/day) suggests that solar installations in this area can provide a stable and reliable energy source throughout the year.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed solar panel installations in Dewalapola, Western Province, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 7 degrees facing South. This relatively shallow angle reflects the location's proximity to the equator, where the sun's path remains high in the sky throughout the year.

Environmental Considerations

While Dewalapola's tropical climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider: 1. Monsoon seasons: Sri Lanka experiences two monsoon seasons, which can bring heavy rainfall and increased cloud cover. This may temporarily reduce solar output during these periods. 2. High humidity: The tropical climate's high humidity levels can potentially impact solar panel efficiency and accelerate wear on equipment. To mitigate these factors, consider the following preventative measures: • Install high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels and components designed to withstand tropical conditions. • Implement a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule to prevent dust and debris accumulation, which can be more prevalent in humid environments. • Consider using micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading from clouds during monsoon seasons. • Ensure proper drainage systems are in place to manage heavy rainfall and prevent water accumulation near the solar installation. By addressing these environmental factors and implementing appropriate measures, solar installations in Dewalapola can maximize their energy production potential and maintain long-term efficiency in this tropical setting.

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 Dewalapola

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 7.1696, Longitude: 79.9916 (Dewalapola, 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 Dewalapola, Sri Lanka

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Dewalapola, Sri Lanka (Lat/Long 7.1696, 79.9916) 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 Dewalapola, 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 Dewalapola, 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
9° North in Summer	13° South in Autumn	23° 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 Dewalapola, 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 Dewalapola, Sri Lanka.

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 Dewalapola, Sri Lanka

The area around Dewalapola, Sri Lanka, is characterized by a relatively flat to gently rolling landscape. This region is part of the country's lowland plains, which extend across much of western and southern Sri Lanka. The terrain is predominantly composed of fertile agricultural land, interspersed with small patches of forest and scattered settlements.

The topography in this area is generally favorable for various human activities, including agriculture and urban development. The elevation is relatively low, typically ranging from just a few meters above sea level to around 50-100 meters in some slightly higher areas. This gentle terrain is a result of the region's geological history and the long-term effects of weathering and erosion.

Rivers and streams crisscross the landscape, creating a network of waterways that have shaped the local topography over time. These water bodies have formed small valleys and floodplains, which contribute to the area's subtle variations in elevation.

Regarding large-scale solar PV installations, several nearby areas could be suitable for such projects. The most promising locations would be open, relatively flat areas with minimal shading from trees or buildings. Agricultural lands that are less productive or fallow fields could be potential candidates for solar development.

Areas to the east and southeast of Dewalapola might be particularly well-suited for solar PV projects. These regions tend to have more open spaces and slightly higher elevations, which can provide better exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Additionally, areas near existing infrastructure, such as roads and power lines, would be advantageous for connecting new solar installations to the grid.

It's important to note that while the topography is generally favorable for solar development, other factors such as land ownership, environmental considerations, and local regulations would need to be carefully evaluated before implementing any large-scale solar projects in the region.

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!

Citation Guide

Article Details for Citation

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.