Solar PV Analysis of Pattaya, Thailand
Located in Pattaya, Chon Buri, Thailand (Latitude: 13.0508, Longitude: 100.9367), the average daily solar energy yield per kilowatt of installed solar capacity varies by season: it is approximately 5.91 kWh in Summer, 5.02 kWh in Autumn, 5.97 kWh in Winter and 6.05 kWh in Spring.
Pattaya's geographical location near the equator provides it with a relatively consistent amount of sunlight throughout the year, which makes it an excellent location for generating electricity through photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.
The summer and spring seasons are particularly productive for solar power generation due to increased sunlight exposure during these periods. To maximize efficiency, a fixed panel installation should ideally be tilted at an angle of around 12 degrees towards the South.
While there are no significant weather conditions or topographical features that would severely impede solar production in Pattaya, Chon Buri, seasonal variations do exist and can have some impact on energy output.
The region experiences both wet and dry seasons which can affect power generation from PV panels - heavy rainfall during the wet season may reduce sunlight exposure while high temperatures during the dry season may slightly decrease panel efficiency due to overheating.
To mitigate these factors when installing a solar system, consider using panels with high temperature tolerance for better performance during hot weather conditions and ensure good drainage around your installation site to prevent water accumulation during rainy periods. Proper maintenance of your system including regular cleaning will also help to maximize energy production year-round.
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 Pattaya
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 13.0508, Longitude: 100.9367 (Pattaya, 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 12° South in Pattaya, Thailand
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Pattaya, Thailand (Lat/Long 13.0508, 100.9367) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 12° 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 Pattaya, 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 Pattaya, Thailand. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 12° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3° North in Summer | 19° South in Autumn | 29° South in Winter | 6° 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 Pattaya, 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 Pattaya, Thailand.
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 Pattaya, Thailand
The topography around Pattaya, Thailand (Lat,Long: 13.0508,100.9367) is generally flat with some hills in the surrounding area. The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV would be those that are relatively flat and have good access to direct sunlight. Areas close to the coast may also be ideal as they tend to receive more consistent sunlight throughout the year.
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!
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Sunday 15th of October 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.
