Welimada, Uva Province, Sri Lanka, situated at latitude 6.9077 and longitude 80.9054, presents a promising location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This tropical setting benefits from consistent sunlight, with seasons primarily distinguished by wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature variations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output at this location demonstrates remarkable consistency across all meteorological seasons. Spring yields the highest production at 5.95 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Winter follows closely with 5.57 kWh/day, while summer generates 5.47 kWh/day. Autumn sees a slight dip but still maintains a respectable 4.93 kWh/day. These figures indicate that Welimada enjoys favorable conditions for solar energy production year-round, with only minor fluctuations between seasons. The relatively small variance in output suggests that solar installations in this area can provide a stable and reliable source of renewable energy throughout the year.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed solar panel installations in Welimada, Uva Province, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 6 degrees facing South. This shallow angle reflects the location's proximity to the equator, where the sun's path remains relatively high in the sky throughout the year.

Environmental Considerations

While Welimada's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider: 1. Monsoon seasons: Sri Lanka experiences two monsoon seasons, which could potentially impact solar output due to increased cloud cover and rainfall. 2. Dust and debris: The tropical climate may lead to accumulation of dust and organic matter on solar panels. To mitigate these factors, consider implementing the following measures: - Install a robust drainage system to manage heavy rainfall during monsoon seasons. - Use self-cleaning solar panels or implement regular cleaning schedules to maintain optimal performance. - Consider slight adjustments to panel tilt during different seasons to maximize energy capture. Overall, Welimada presents an excellent location for solar PV installations, with high and consistent energy production potential throughout the year. With proper planning and maintenance, solar energy systems in this area can operate at peak efficiency, providing a reliable source of renewable energy.

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 Welimada

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 6.9077, Longitude: 80.9054 (Welimada, 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 Welimada, Sri Lanka

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Welimada, Sri Lanka (Lat/Long 6.9077, 80.9054) 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 Welimada, 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 Welimada, 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	13° 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 Welimada, 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 Welimada, Sri Lanka.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Welimada, Sri Lanka

The topography around Welimada, Sri Lanka, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque landscape typical of the country's central highlands. Situated at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters above sea level, Welimada is surrounded by rolling hills, lush valleys, and steep mountainsides. The terrain is predominantly undulating, with a mix of gentle slopes and more rugged, elevated areas. The region features numerous tea plantations that carpet the hillsides, creating a patchwork of vibrant green hues. These cultivated areas are interspersed with pockets of natural vegetation, including forests and grasslands. Small streams and rivers wind their way through the valleys, contributing to the area's agricultural productivity and scenic beauty.

Potential for Solar PV Development

When considering areas nearby Welimada for large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would be relatively flat or gently sloping areas that receive ample sunlight throughout the year. These sites should also have minimal shading from surrounding hills or vegetation. The plains and plateaus to the east and southeast of Welimada offer promising potential for solar PV development. These areas generally have lower elevations and more open terrain compared to the immediate surroundings of Welimada. The reduced cloud cover and higher solar radiation in these slightly drier regions make them attractive for solar energy production. Another area of interest lies to the north and northeast of Welimada, where the landscape transitions to more expansive valleys. These locations may provide sufficient space for large-scale solar installations while benefiting from the region's generally sunny climate. It's important to note that while the topography around Welimada presents some challenges for solar PV development due to its hilly nature, advancements in solar technology have made it increasingly feasible to utilize sloping terrain for solar farms. Careful site selection and innovative panel arrangements can help overcome some of the topographical limitations. Any large-scale solar PV project in the region would need to balance energy production potential with environmental and agricultural considerations, given the importance of tea cultivation and the natural beauty of the area to the local economy and ecosystem.

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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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

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