Solar PV Analysis of Negombo, Sri Lanka
Negombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka is a good location for generating solar energy throughout the year. The consistent sunlight and tropical climate make it an ideal place to install solar panels. The energy output from these panels can vary slightly with each season but remains relatively high all year round. For instance, in summer you can expect around 6.31 kilowatt-hours per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity, while in autumn this drops slightly to 5.65 kWh/day per kW.
Winter and spring see an increase in output again, with 6.24 kWh/day per kW and 6.55 kWh/day per kW respectively. This suggests that spring might be the best time of year for generating solar power at this location due to its slightly higher daily energy production.
When installing your panels at Negombo, Western Province, make sure they are tilted at a seven-degree angle facing south - this will maximize their exposure to sunlight throughout the year and therefore increase their total annual energy production.
However, there may be some local factors that could affect your solar panel's performance here as well - such as weather conditions or environmental considerations like shade from trees or buildings which could block sunlight from reaching your panels or dust particles which could reduce their efficiency by settling on them.
To overcome these potential challenges:
1) Ensure your panels are installed in an open area free from obstructions such as tall buildings or trees.
2) Regular cleaning of the panel surfaces can help remove any dust particles that have settled on them.
3) Install a proper drainage system around your installation site to prevent water logging during wet seasons.
4) Use durable materials capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions common in tropical climates like heavy rains or strong winds.
By considering these points during installation you can ensure maximum productivity from your solar PV system all-year-round in Negombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka despite any potential obstacles posed by its local environment.
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 Negombo
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 7.2067, Longitude: 79.8362 (Negombo, 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 Negombo, Sri Lanka
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Negombo, Sri Lanka (Lat/Long 7.2067, 79.8362) 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 Negombo, 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 Negombo, 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 Negombo, 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 Negombo, 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 Negombo, Sri Lanka
Negombo is a city on the west coast of Sri Lanka, located in a flat coastal plain. The area is generally low-lying, with average elevations ranging from 0 to 30 meters above sea level. The terrain around Negombo primarily consists of sandy beaches, lagoons, marshlands and small scale farmlands. It also has some urban areas.
For large-scale solar PV installations, you would need areas with ample sunlight and relatively flat land for easy installation of the panels. Given Negombo's geographical location near the equator, it receives abundant sunlight throughout the year which makes it suitable for solar energy generation.
However, considering the topography and land use in Negombo region:
1) Coastal Areas: These are not ideal for large-scale solar installations due to risk of corrosion from salt water and potential impact on local ecosystems.
2) Marshlands: These are often protected habitats so they would not be suitable locations either.
3) Farmlands: If there are unused or barren agricultural lands available around Negombo (away from residential areas), these could potentially be repurposed for solar farms without significantly disrupting local communities or ecosystems.
4) Urban Areas: Rooftop solar PV systems can be installed in urbanized parts of Negombo where space is limited but demand for electricity is high.
5) Unused Land Spaces/Industrial Lands: Any unused lands or industrial zones could also be considered as potential sites if they meet necessary conditions such as being relatively flat and having good exposure to sunlight.
It's important to note that any proposed site will require a detailed feasibility study including factors like environmental impact assessment before proceeding with installation.
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: Thursday 29th 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.
