Solar PV Analysis of Matugama, Sri Lanka
Matugama, Western Province, Sri Lanka, is a good location for year-round solar energy production due to its tropical climate and consistent sunlight throughout the year. The amount of energy that can be generated from solar panels varies slightly by season but remains relatively high all year round. In summer, you can expect to generate about 5.47 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for every kilowatt (kW) of installed solar capacity. This figure drops slightly to 4.94 kWh/day in autumn before rising again in winter and spring with approximately 5.60 kWh/day and 5.93 kWh/day respectively.
The best times of the year for generating solar power at this location are during the spring and winter seasons when sunlight is most abundant due to less rainfall compared to other seasons.
For fixed panel installations at this location, tilting your panels at an angle of 6 degrees facing south will help maximize your total annual energy production from your photovoltaic (PV) system.
However, there may be certain local factors that could potentially affect solar production at this location such as heavy rainfall during monsoon season or excessive cloud cover which could limit the amount of sunlight reaching the panels. Additionally, any physical obstructions like trees or buildings could also cast shadows on your panels thereby reducing their efficiency.
To mitigate these factors, it's recommended that you install your panels in a clear area with minimal obstructions where they can receive maximum sunlight exposure all day long. Also consider using high-quality PV modules that are more efficient and better suited for cloudy conditions or low light environments.
In case of heavy rainfall or strong winds which are common during monsoon season in Sri Lanka, ensure that your PV system is securely mounted and well-protected against such weather conditions to prevent any potential damage.
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 Matugama
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 6.5153, Longitude: 80.1092 (Matugama, 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 Matugama, Sri Lanka
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Matugama, Sri Lanka (Lat/Long 6.5153, 80.1092) 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 Matugama, 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 Matugama, 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 Matugama, 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 Matugama, 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 Matugama, Sri Lanka
Matugama is located in the Western Province of Sri Lanka and features a tropical rainforest climate. The terrain around Matugama is primarily hilly and mountainous, with some flat areas suitable for agriculture. Given the abundant sunlight and high average temperatures in the region, flat areas would be most suited for large-scale solar PV installations.
However, there are several factors to consider when determining suitability for solar PV projects:
1. Land Availability: Large-scale solar projects require significant land area. Therefore, availability of open spaces or unused agricultural lands would be ideal.
2. Solar Irradiance: As Matugama is located near the equator, it receives ample sunlight throughout the year making it a good location for solar power generation.
3. Accessibility: Easy access to installation sites is crucial for transporting materials and maintenance purposes.
4. Proximity to Power Grids: Close proximity to power grids allows easier transmission of generated electricity reducing infrastructural costs.
5. Environmental Considerations: Any potential environmental impacts should also be considered when choosing locations for large-scale installations.
Nearby flat regions such as Kalutara or areas along the coastline might be suitable given they meet these criteria and do not have high population density or protected environmental statuses that could hinder development.
Remember that while satellite imagery can provide useful preliminary insights about topography and potential site suitability, on-the-ground assessments are essential before deciding on specific sites for large scale solar PV installations.
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: Sunday 18th of February 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.
