Solar PV Analysis of Phitsanulok, Thailand
Phitsanulok, Thailand is a good location for solar energy production all year round due to its tropical climate where sunlight is consistent throughout most of the year. The amount of electricity that can be produced from each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar panels varies slightly by season, but remains relatively high throughout the year: in summer it's 5.70 kilowatt-hours per day (kWh/day), in autumn it's 5.14 kWh/day, in winter it's 5.90 kWh/day and in spring it rises to 6.12 kWh/day.
The best times to generate solar power at this location are during the spring and winter when output is highest, although even during autumn and summer the output remains quite good.
To get the most out of your solar panels here, you should install them at an angle facing 16 degrees South - this will give you maximum exposure to sunlight over the course of a full year.
However, there may be some local factors that could affect how much energy you can produce with your solar panels. For example, Phitsanulok experiences wet and dry seasons which could result in less sunny days or more cloud cover during certain periods reducing potential energy generation from your panels. Also dust or other airborne particles might accumulate on your panel surfaces affecting their efficiency.
To overcome these challenges:
1) Install automated cleaning systems or regularly clean your panels manually especially after dusty winds or heavy rains.
2) Use weather resistant materials for installation given possible heavy rainfalls.
3) Consider using tracking systems that follow sun’s path across sky ensuring higher performance even on cloudy days.
4) Ensure proper maintenance checks regularly for any damages due to weather conditions such as storms or heavy rainfall.
In conclusion, while there might be some minor obstacles related to seasonal changes and environmental factors like dust accumulation or cloud cover; overall Phitsanulok provides an excellent environment for generating substantial solar power all 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 Phitsanulok
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 16.8358, Longitude: 100.2518 (Phitsanulok, 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 16° South in Phitsanulok, Thailand
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Phitsanulok, Thailand (Lat/Long 16.8358, 100.2518) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 16° 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 Phitsanulok, 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 Phitsanulok, Thailand. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 16° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1° South in Summer | 23° South in Autumn | 32° South in Winter | 10° 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 Phitsanulok, 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 Phitsanulok, 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 Phitsanulok, Thailand
Phitsanulok, Thailand is located in the lower northern part of the country. The topography of this region is quite diverse with flat river plains situated among rolling hills and mountain ranges, particularly to the east and west. The Nan River flows through Phitsanulok providing fertile land ideal for agriculture.
Regarding solar PV installations, flat areas are generally more suitable because they require less site preparation work compared to hilly or mountainous terrains. Therefore, the river plains around Phitsanulok could be potential sites for large-scale solar PV projects.
However, it's important to consider other factors such as local climate (amount of sunlight), proximity to electrical grids for power transmission, land use restrictions (like protected natural areas or agricultural lands), and social acceptance by local communities.
Moreover, it would be necessary to conduct a detailed feasibility study including an environmental impact assessment before deciding on a specific location for a large-scale solar PV project in this 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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Friday 28th of June 2024
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.
