Solar PV Analysis of Peliyagoda, Sri Lanka
Peliyagoda, Western Province, Sri Lanka is a good location for generating energy through solar panels throughout the year due to its tropical climate which provides consistent sunlight. The amount of electricity generated varies slightly with each season but remains relatively high all year round. In summer, one can expect about 6.03 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for every kilowatt (kW) of solar installed, in autumn it's around 5.52 kWh/day per kW, winter offers approximately 6.20 kWh/day per kW and spring gives the highest output at about 6.46 kWh/day per kW.
The best time to generate solar power at this location would be during spring when the energy output is highest, although all seasons offer good opportunities due to minimal variation in sunlight received across different times of the year.
For fixed panel installations here, tilting them at an angle of six degrees towards the south will maximize total yearly production from your photovoltaic system since this position captures most sunlight.
However, there might be some local factors that could affect solar production like heavy rains or monsoons common in tropical climates which could block sunlight and reduce efficiency of panels temporarily. Additionally dust or other airborne materials may settle on panels reducing their effectiveness over time if not cleaned regularly.
To minimize these issues it's recommended to install systems where they are less likely to be affected by shading from trees or buildings especially during peak hours (9am-3pm). Regular maintenance including cleaning off any dirt or debris on the panels will also ensure they function optimally and continue producing high levels of electricity throughout their lifetime.
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 Peliyagoda
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 6.9725, Longitude: 79.8843 (Peliyagoda, 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 Peliyagoda, Sri Lanka
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Peliyagoda, Sri Lanka (Lat/Long 6.9725, 79.8843) 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 Peliyagoda, 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 Peliyagoda, 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 Peliyagoda, 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 Peliyagoda, 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 Peliyagoda, Sri Lanka
Peliyagoda is located in the Western Province of Sri Lanka, which is primarily urbanized and densely populated. The topography of this region mainly consists of flat terrain with a few undulating hills. It's characterized by its coastal plains, lagoons and canals due to its proximity to the Indian Ocean.
The climate in Peliyagoda is tropical monsoon with high humidity levels throughout the year. This region receives abundant sunshine for most parts of the year except during monsoon seasons when rainfall is heavy.
For large scale solar PV installations, open areas with minimal shading are ideal. Considering this, less densely populated regions towards north or east from Peliyagoda could be suitable for large-scale solar PV projects given their relatively lower population density and more available land space.
However, several factors need to be considered before installing a large-scale solar PV project such as availability of land, proximity to grid connections or load centers (for ease of electricity transmission), local regulations related to land use and environmental impact assessments etc.
Additionally, rooftops in urban areas like Colombo can also be used for smaller scale distributed generation using solar PV panels.
It would be best to conduct a detailed feasibility study considering all these aspects before deciding on an exact location for setting up a large-scale solar power plant.
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: Friday 14th of June 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.
