Solar PV Analysis of Kaduwela, Sri Lanka
The location at Kaduwela, Western Province, Sri Lanka is quite ideal for generating energy via solar PV panels year-round. This is due to its location in the tropics where sunlight is consistent throughout most of the year. The seasons are mainly characterized by wet and dry periods rather than significant changes in sunlight.
In terms of electricity output per kW of installed solar, you can expect around 6.03kWh/day in Summer, 5.52kWh/day in Autumn, 6.20kWh/day in Winter, and 6.46kWh/day in Spring at this location.
To maximize total yearly production from solar PV panels at this location, it would be best to install them with a tilt angle facing 6 degrees South.
However, there may be some local factors that could potentially impede solar production at this location - such as heavy rainfall during the wet season or any large structures or trees that could cast shadows on the panels.
To ensure greater energy production despite these potential challenges:
1) Install your panels with enough space between them so they don't cast shadows on each other.
2) Regularly clean your panels especially after heavy rainfall to remove any dirt or debris that might block sunlight.
3) If possible choose a site for installation that's free from shadow-casting obstacles like tall buildings or trees.
4) Also consider using tracking systems which allow your panels to follow the sun's path throughout the day for maximum exposure.
Remember though that while these steps can help improve energy production they also come with additional costs and considerations which should be evaluated against potential gains before implementation.
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 Kaduwela
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 6.9356, Longitude: 79.9854 (Kaduwela, 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 Kaduwela, Sri Lanka
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kaduwela, Sri Lanka (Lat/Long 6.9356, 79.9854) 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 Kaduwela, 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 Kaduwela, 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 Kaduwela, 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 Kaduwela, 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 Kaduwela, Sri Lanka
Kaduwela, Sri Lanka is a region characterized by a tropical monsoon climate with fairly even temperatures throughout the year. The area is generally flat with some undulating hills and an average elevation of about 21 meters above sea level. It's surrounded by vegetation, residential areas and bodies of water like Kelani River.
For large-scale solar PV installations, open and flat areas are ideal as they provide maximum exposure to sunlight without obstruction from trees or buildings. Therefore, unused agricultural land or industrial zones around Kaduwela could be suitable for such projects.
However, it's important to note that while the geographic features are important in determining the suitability for solar PV installations, other factors such as local weather patterns (amount of sunlight), land ownership rights and accessibility also play significant roles. A thorough feasibility study would need to be done before deciding on a specific location.
Additionally, floating solar photovoltaic systems could potentially be installed on bodies of water in this region given its proximity to several rivers – this would save valuable land resources while still harnessing solar energy effectively.
Please consult with local authorities or experts for accurate information regarding potential sites for large-scale solar PV in Kaduwela or any other regions.
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: Wednesday 6th of March 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.
