Solar PV Analysis of Rat Burana, Thailand
Rat Burana, Bangkok, Thailand, located at 13.6861° N, 100.5063° E, offers a promising environment for solar energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the tropics, this location benefits from consistent sunlight and experiences wet and dry seasons rather than traditional four-season cycles.
The solar energy potential in Rat Burana is relatively stable across the year, with slight variations between seasons. Spring sees the highest energy output at 6.05 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Winter follows closely with 5.97 kWh/day, while summer produces 5.91 kWh/day. Autumn experiences a slight dip but still maintains a respectable 5.02 kWh/day.
Optimal Solar Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Rat Burana, Bangkok, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 13 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Rat Burana's tropical climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some factors to consider:
- Monsoon season: Heavy rainfall and increased cloud cover during the wet season (typically May to October) may temporarily reduce solar output.
- High humidity: The area's humid climate can lead to condensation on solar panels, potentially affecting their efficiency.
To mitigate these challenges, consider implementing the following measures:
- Use high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels designed for tropical climates.
- Install panels at the optimal angle to promote natural cleaning by rainwater.
- Implement a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule to prevent dust and debris accumulation.
- Consider using micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading during cloudy periods.
Overall, Rat Burana's location offers excellent potential for year-round solar energy generation, with only minor seasonal fluctuations. By addressing the environmental factors unique to this tropical setting, solar installations can achieve optimal performance and reliability.
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 Rat Burana
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 13.6861, Longitude: 100.5063 (Rat Burana, 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 Rat Burana, Thailand
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Rat Burana, Thailand (Lat/Long 13.6861, 100.5063) 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 Rat Burana, 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 Rat Burana, 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 Rat Burana, 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 Rat Burana, 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 Rat Burana, Thailand
The area around Rat Burana, Thailand, is characterized by a predominantly flat, low-lying landscape typical of the Chao Phraya River delta region. This district, located in the southern part of Bangkok, sits at an elevation of just a few meters above sea level. The terrain is mostly urban and developed, with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas interspersed with some remaining green spaces and waterways.
The Chao Phraya River, which flows nearby to the west of Rat Burana, has a significant influence on the local topography. The river and its tributaries have created a network of canals and smaller waterways throughout the area, contributing to the flat nature of the landscape. These waterways have historically been used for transportation and irrigation, shaping the development of the region.
As for areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the options within the immediate vicinity of Rat Burana are limited due to the dense urban development. However, there are some potential locations in the broader surrounding region that could be considered:
- Industrial zones: Some of the industrial areas to the east and southeast of Rat Burana, such as those in Samut Prakan province, might have large rooftops or unused land parcels suitable for solar installations.
- Agricultural land: Moving further out from the city center, there are agricultural areas to the east and southeast that could potentially accommodate solar farms. These flat, open spaces receive ample sunlight and might be repurposed for renewable energy production.
- Coastal areas: The coastal regions of Samut Prakan province, located to the southeast of Rat Burana, might offer opportunities for solar installations. These areas are generally flat and receive good sun exposure.
- Reclaimed land: Any reclaimed land or former salt farms in the coastal areas could be potential sites for solar PV projects, as they are typically flat and unobstructed.
It's important to note that while the topography in and around Rat Burana is generally favorable for solar PV installations due to its flatness, other factors such as land availability, existing infrastructure, environmental considerations, and local regulations would need to be carefully evaluated before implementing any large-scale solar projects in the region.
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
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 30th of July 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.
