Solar PV Analysis of Piliyandala, Sri Lanka
Situated in Piliyandala, Western Province, Sri Lanka (Latitude: 6.7989, Longitude: 79.921), the potential for solar power generation is substantial throughout the year. The average daily energy production per kilowatt (kW) of installed solar capacity varies slightly with each season; it stands at 6.03 kilowatt-hours (kWh) in summer, 5.52 kWh in autumn, 6.20 kWh in winter and peaks at 6.46 kWh during spring.
Owing to its tropical climate characterized by consistent sunlight and alternating wet and dry periods rather than distinct temperature changes, Piliyandala exhibits a high yield of solar energy particularly during the summer months when the sun is most intense.
However, it's worth noting that while weather conditions generally favor solar power generation here, certain environmental or topographical factors could potentially affect this outcome significantly if not properly managed.
One such factor could be monsoon rains which may lead to accumulation of debris or water on the panels thereby reducing their efficiency; regular cleaning and maintenance are therefore essential to ensure optimal performance of these installations throughout these periods.
In terms of installation strategy for fixed panels at this location, an ideal tilt angle would be about six degrees towards south which maximizes exposure to sunlight thereby optimizing energy output from these systems all year round.
In summary, while Piliyandala presents a conducive environment for harnessing solar power due to its tropical climate with abundant sunshine all year round coupled with moderate seasonal variations in energy output per kW installed capacity - careful consideration must be given to local climatic factors such as monsoon rains when designing and maintaining these systems so as not only maximize their productivity but also prolong their lifespan.
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 Piliyandala
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 6.7989, Longitude: 79.921 (Piliyandala, 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 Piliyandala, Sri Lanka
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Piliyandala, Sri Lanka (Lat/Long 6.7989, 79.921) 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 Piliyandala, 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 Piliyandala, 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 Piliyandala, 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 Piliyandala, 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 Piliyandala, Sri Lanka
The topography around Piliyandala, Sri Lanka is mostly flat and low-lying. Areas that are more exposed to direct sunlight would be most suitable for large-scale solar PV installations. The nearby areas of Kaduwela, Battaramulla, Kottawa, and Maharagama would be ideal locations for such installations due to their higher elevations and lack of obstructions from buildings or trees.
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 24th of December 2023
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.
