Solar PV Analysis of Gonawala, Sri Lanka
Gonawala, Western Province, Sri Lanka, situated at 6.9584°N, 80.0047°E, offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This tropical setting benefits from consistent sunlight, with seasons primarily characterized by wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature variations.
The location demonstrates relatively stable solar energy production across all seasons. Spring stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 5.93 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Winter follows closely behind at 5.60 kWh/day, while summer yields 5.47 kWh/day. Autumn experiences a slight dip but still maintains a respectable 4.94 kWh/day output.
Optimal Panel Positioning
For fixed panel installations in Gonawala, Western Province, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 6 degrees facing South. This slight tilt helps optimize energy capture throughout the year, accounting for the sun's changing position and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Seasonal Considerations
While Gonawala enjoys favorable conditions for solar energy production year-round, there are some seasonal nuances to consider. The spring months offer the highest potential for solar generation, making it an excellent time for maintenance and ensuring panels are operating at peak efficiency. The consistent output across seasons suggests that solar installations in this location can provide a reliable energy source throughout the year.
Environmental Factors and Mitigation
Despite the generally favorable conditions, there are a few environmental factors that could potentially impact solar production in Gonawala:
- Monsoon season: Heavy rainfall during the monsoon months may temporarily reduce solar output. Installing high-quality, water-resistant panels and ensuring proper drainage systems can mitigate this issue.
- Dust and pollution: Airborne particles can accumulate on panels, reducing efficiency. Regular cleaning and maintenance schedules can help maintain optimal performance.
To maximize energy production, consider implementing an automated cleaning system and scheduling more frequent maintenance during the monsoon season. Additionally, using anti-reflective coatings on panels can help improve performance in varying light conditions, ensuring consistent energy generation throughout the year.
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 Gonawala
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 6.9584, Longitude: 80.0047 (Gonawala, 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 Gonawala, Sri Lanka
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Gonawala, Sri Lanka (Lat/Long 6.9584, 80.0047) 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 Gonawala, 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 Gonawala, 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 | 13° 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 Gonawala, 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 Gonawala, 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 Gonawala, Sri Lanka
The area around Gonawala, Sri Lanka, is characterized by diverse topography typical of the country's central region. This location sits in the southwestern part of the island nation, nestled within the transition zone between the central highlands and the coastal lowlands.
The terrain in this vicinity is generally hilly and undulating, with elevations gradually increasing as you move eastward towards the central mountains. The landscape is dotted with small hills, valleys, and plateaus, creating a patchwork of varying elevations. Many of these hills are covered in lush vegetation, including tea plantations and tropical forests, which are common in this part of Sri Lanka.
Numerous streams and small rivers crisscross the area, carving gentle valleys between the hills. These waterways eventually feed into larger river systems that flow towards the western coast. The combination of hills and water bodies creates a picturesque, green landscape that is characteristic of Sri Lanka's wet zone.
Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the most promising locations would likely be found in the relatively flatter areas to the west and southwest of Gonawala. These regions, closer to the coast, tend to have more expansive open spaces and receive ample sunlight throughout the year.
Ideal sites for solar farms would be gently sloping or flat areas with minimal shading from surrounding hills or vegetation. Such locations would maximize exposure to sunlight and simplify the installation process. Additionally, areas with easy access to existing power infrastructure and transportation networks would be preferable for the development of large-scale solar projects.
However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar development would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, especially given the region's rich biodiversity and agricultural importance. Proper site selection would involve balancing energy production potential with preservation of valuable ecosystems and farmland.
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
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 29th 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.
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.
