Phan Thong, Chon Buri, Thailand, located at 13.4672° N, 101.0972° E, presents a favorable environment for solar energy generation throughout the year. This tropical location benefits from consistent sunlight, with seasons primarily characterized by wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature variations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy potential in Phan Thong remains relatively stable across all seasons. Winter surprisingly offers the highest output at 5.85 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely with 5.73 kWh/day, while summer produces 5.65 kWh/day. Autumn experiences a slight dip but still maintains a respectable 4.84 kWh/day. This consistent performance throughout the year makes Phan Thong an ideal location for solar PV installations, as it ensures a steady energy supply without significant seasonal fluctuations.

Optimal Panel Positioning

For fixed solar panel installations in Phan Thong, Chon Buri, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 13 degrees facing South. This angle takes into account the location's latitude and the sun's position throughout the year, ensuring optimal exposure to sunlight across all seasons.

Environmental Considerations

While Phan Thong's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are a few factors to consider: 1. Rainfall: The region experiences a monsoon season, typically from May to October. Heavy rains can temporarily reduce solar panel efficiency. 2. Humidity: High humidity levels can lead to condensation on panels, potentially affecting their performance. To mitigate these issues, installers should consider using high-quality, weather-resistant panels and implementing proper drainage systems. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also help maintain optimal performance.

Conclusion

Overall, Phan Thong offers an excellent location for solar PV installations. Its consistent year-round sunlight and relatively stable seasonal output make it a prime candidate for solar energy projects. With proper installation techniques and regular maintenance, solar panels in this area can provide a reliable and efficient source of renewable energy throughout the year.

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 Phan Thong

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 13.4672, Longitude: 101.0972 (Phan Thong, 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 13° South in Phan Thong, Thailand

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Phan Thong, Thailand (Lat/Long 13.4672, 101.0972) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 13° 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 Phan Thong, 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 Phan Thong, Thailand. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 13° 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	20° South in Autumn	29° South in Winter	7° 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 Phan Thong, 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 Phan Thong, 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 Phan Thong, Thailand

The topography around Phan Thong, Thailand, is characterized by a predominantly flat landscape with gentle undulations. This area is part of the Central Plains region of Thailand, which is known for its low-lying terrain and expansive agricultural lands. The elevation in and around Phan Thong is generally low, typically ranging from just a few meters above sea level to around 20-30 meters in slightly higher areas. The surrounding landscape is dotted with rice paddies, small farms, and scattered patches of vegetation. There are also numerous small waterways, including canals and streams, that crisscross the region. These water features are essential for irrigation and local agriculture but do not significantly impact the overall flatness of the terrain. As you move away from Phan Thong, the topography remains largely consistent, with only minor variations in elevation. To the east, the land gradually rises towards the Sankamphaeng Range, but this mountainous region is quite far from Phan Thong itself. To the west, the terrain continues to be flat as it extends towards the Gulf of Thailand.

Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV

Given the topographical characteristics of the region, several areas near Phan Thong would be well-suited for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The flat terrain and lack of significant natural obstacles make it ideal for solar farm development. Some of the most promising areas include: 1. Agricultural lands to the north and south of Phan Thong: These areas often feature large, open fields that could be repurposed or shared for solar energy production. The lack of shade from hills or mountains ensures maximum sunlight exposure throughout the day. 2. Unused or fallow land parcels: Any significant plots of unused land in the vicinity would be prime candidates for solar PV installations. These areas would likely require minimal land preparation due to the naturally flat terrain. 3. Industrial zones on the outskirts of urban areas: These locations often have large, flat rooftops or adjacent open spaces that could be utilized for solar panels. They also have the advantage of being close to existing electrical infrastructure. 4. Areas along major highways: The land alongside highways is often clear and unobstructed, making it suitable for linear solar PV installations that can take advantage of existing access routes. It's important to note that while the topography is favorable for solar PV development, other factors such as land ownership, environmental considerations, and proximity to the electrical grid would also need to be taken into account when selecting specific sites for large-scale solar projects in the Phan Thong area.

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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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.