Solar PV Analysis of Habarakada East, Sri Lanka
Habarakada East, Southern Province, Sri Lanka, presents a promising location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the tropics, this area benefits from consistent sunlight and experiences wet and dry seasons rather than traditional four-season cycles.
The solar energy potential at this location is relatively stable across all meteorological seasons. Spring stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.93 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Winter follows closely behind at 5.60 kWh/day, while summer yields 5.47 kWh/day. Autumn shows a slight dip but still maintains a respectable 4.94 kWh/day.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Habarakada East, Southern Province, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 6 degrees South. This angle has been calculated taking into account the location's latitude, daily solar elevation angles, and potential PV output throughout the year.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Habarakada East generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some factors to consider:
- Monsoon season: Heavy rainfall during the monsoon months may temporarily reduce solar output. Installing panels with good drainage and using water-resistant components can mitigate this issue.
- Humidity: High humidity levels can potentially affect the efficiency of solar panels. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help counteract any negative impacts.
To ensure optimal energy production, it's advisable to use high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels and inverters. Additionally, implementing a robust cleaning schedule and considering the use of anti-soiling coatings can help maintain panel efficiency in this tropical climate.
Overall, Habarakada East's location offers a favorable environment for year-round solar energy production, with only minor seasonal variations and manageable environmental challenges.
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 Habarakada East
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 6.349, Longitude: 80.3344 (Habarakada East, 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 Habarakada East, Sri Lanka
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Habarakada East, Sri Lanka (Lat/Long 6.349, 80.3344) 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 Habarakada East, 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 Habarakada East, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10° North in Summer | 12° South in Autumn | 22° South in Winter | 0° 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 Habarakada East, 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 Habarakada East, 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 Habarakada East, Sri Lanka
The area around Habarakada East in Sri Lanka is characterized by diverse topography typical of the country's southern region. This part of Sri Lanka features a mix of gently rolling hills, small valleys, and relatively flat coastal plains. The terrain gradually rises as you move inland from the nearby coast, creating a landscape of undulating slopes interspersed with patches of flatter ground.
The region is generally lush and green, with dense tropical vegetation covering much of the land. Small streams and rivers wind their way through the area, carving shallow valleys and creating natural drainage patterns. The soil is often rich and fertile, supporting a variety of agricultural activities.
As for areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the best locations would likely be found on the flatter, more open spaces closer to the coast. These areas typically receive more consistent sunlight throughout the year and have fewer obstructions from hills or dense vegetation. The gently sloping terrain near the coast could also be advantageous, as it may allow for optimal panel positioning to capture maximum sunlight.
Ideal sites for solar PV would be cleared land with minimal shading from trees or other obstacles. Former agricultural fields or unused pastures that are relatively level and easily accessible would be prime candidates. It's important to note that while the hills inland might offer some elevated positions, the potential for increased cloud cover and shadows from surrounding terrain could make these less suitable for large-scale solar projects.
When considering specific locations, it would be crucial to conduct detailed site surveys to assess factors such as soil stability, drainage, and proximity to existing power infrastructure. Additionally, any potential environmental impacts and local land use regulations would need to be carefully evaluated before proceeding with a large-scale solar installation in this 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!
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 25th of September 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.
