Buriram, Thailand, situated at 15.0111°N, 103.0972°E, offers a promising location for solar energy generation throughout the year. This tropical region benefits from consistent sunlight and experiences wet and dry seasons rather than traditional four-season cycles.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy potential in Buriram remains relatively stable across all seasons, with only minor fluctuations: Summer sees the highest output at 6.13 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely with 6.01 kWh/day, while winter produces 5.98 kWh/day. Autumn experiences a slight dip but still maintains a respectable 5.11 kWh/day. This consistency in solar output throughout the year makes Buriram an ideal location for year-round solar energy production. The minimal variation between seasons ensures a reliable and steady supply of solar power, reducing the need for significant energy storage solutions or backup power systems.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed solar panel installations in Buriram, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 14 degrees facing South. This angle takes into account the location's latitude and the sun's position throughout the year, ensuring optimal sunlight capture across all seasons.

Environmental Considerations

While Buriram's climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider: 1. Rainfall: The region experiences a monsoon season, typically from May to October. Heavy rains can temporarily reduce solar output and may require more frequent panel cleaning. 2. Dust and pollution: Agricultural activities and occasional haze can lead to dust accumulation on panels, potentially decreasing efficiency. To mitigate these issues, consider implementing the following measures: - Install panels at the recommended 14-degree tilt to facilitate natural cleaning during rainfall. - Use self-cleaning panel technologies or schedule regular cleaning, especially during the dry season. - Employ high-quality, weather-resistant panels to withstand tropical conditions. - Consider a tracking system to maximize energy capture, particularly during the slightly less productive autumn months. Overall, Buriram's tropical location and consistent solar potential make it an excellent choice for solar PV installations, with only minor challenges that can be easily addressed through proper planning and maintenance.

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 88 locations across Thailand. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Thailand by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Buriram

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 15.0111, Longitude: 103.0972 (Buriram, Thailand), 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 14° South in Buriram, Thailand

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Buriram, Thailand (Lat/Long 15.0111, 103.0972) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 14° 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 Buriram, Thailand

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 Buriram, Thailand. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 14° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
1° North in Summer	21° South in Autumn	31° South in Winter	8° 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 Buriram, Thailand

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 Buriram, Thailand.

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 Buriram, Thailand

The topography around Buriram, Thailand is generally characterized by a flat to gently rolling landscape. This area is part of the Khorat Plateau, a large elevated region in northeastern Thailand. The terrain is predominantly low-lying, with occasional small hills and shallow valleys scattered throughout the region.

The elevation in and around Buriram typically ranges from about 150 to 200 meters above sea level. The landscape is dotted with numerous small lakes, ponds, and agricultural fields, reflecting the area's importance for farming. Rice paddies are a common sight, along with other crops such as cassava and sugarcane.

To the south and southeast of Buriram, you'll find some slightly more elevated areas, including the extinct volcano of Khao Kradong, which rises to about 265 meters above sea level. This feature stands out in the otherwise relatively flat terrain.

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. The flat, open spaces that are abundant in the region around Buriram are generally favorable for solar energy projects. These areas offer good sun exposure and minimal shading, which are crucial for maximizing solar energy production.

Specifically, the agricultural lands to the north, east, and west of Buriram city would likely be well-suited for solar PV installations. These areas typically have fewer obstacles that could cast shadows on solar panels, and the land is already cleared, which could reduce installation costs.

However, it's important to note that the most suitable locations would need to balance factors such as proximity to existing electrical infrastructure, land availability, and environmental considerations. Areas that are not prime agricultural land or ecologically sensitive would be preferable. Additionally, locations near major roads or power lines could offer advantages in terms of easier access and connection to the grid.

Ultimately, a detailed site-specific analysis would be necessary to determine the optimal locations for large-scale solar PV projects in the Buriram area, taking into account not just topography, but also local regulations, land ownership, and other relevant factors.

Thailand solar PV Stats as a country

Thailand ranks 26th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 3,049 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 2.90% of Thailand's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 29th in the world). Each year Thailand is generating 44 Watts from solar PV per capita (Thailand ranks 54th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Thailand?

Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Thailand. The Thai government offers a number of tax incentives and subsidies for businesses that install solar energy systems. These include a 30% corporate income tax deduction on the cost of installing solar panels, as well as an exemption from import duties on certain components used in the installation process. Additionally, businesses can benefit from net metering policies which allow them to sell excess electricity generated by their solar system back to the grid at a premium rate. Finally, businesses may also be eligible for grants and other financial assistance from various government agencies and private organizations.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Thailand? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!

Citation Guide

Article Details for Citation

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.