Solar PV Analysis of Sakon Nakhon, Thailand
The location at Sakon Nakhon, Thailand is generally excellent for generating energy through solar photovoltaic (PV) panels year-round. This is due to its tropical climate where sunlight is consistent throughout most of the year. The average amount of electricity that can be produced per kilowatt of installed solar varies slightly by season but remains relatively high all year. It's about 5.88kWh/day in Summer, 5.22kWh/day in Autumn, 5.86kWh/day in Winter, and 6.03kWh/day in Spring.
For optimal results from a fixed panel installation at this location, the panels should be tilted at an angle of 16 degrees facing South to maximize total yearly production from solar PV.
However, there are some factors that could potentially hinder solar production at this location which need to be considered when installing your system:
1) Rainfall: Sakon Nakhon has a tropical monsoon climate with heavy rainfall during the wet season which may reduce the efficiency of your panels due to less sunlight exposure.
2) Dust and Dirt: In dry seasons dust and dirt might accumulate on the surface of your panels reducing their efficiency as well.
To help ensure greater energy production despite these challenges:
1) Install a weather monitoring system alongside your PV system so you can adjust usage according to weather patterns.
2) Regular cleaning maintenance will keep dust and dirt from accumulating on your panels thereby maintaining their efficiency levels high.
In conclusion, while there are some environmental factors that could affect solar production in Sakon Nakhon like rainfall or dust accumulation; proper planning including regular maintenance and smart use can still make it an excellent place for producing renewable energy through 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 Sakon Nakhon
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 16.9848, Longitude: 104.1308 (Sakon Nakhon, 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 Sakon Nakhon, Thailand
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sakon Nakhon, Thailand (Lat/Long 16.9848, 104.1308) 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 Sakon Nakhon, 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 Sakon Nakhon, 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 Sakon Nakhon, 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 Sakon Nakhon, 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 Sakon Nakhon, Thailand
Sakon Nakhon, Thailand is located in the northeastern part of the country. The topography of this region, also known as Isan, is largely a Khorat Plateau characterized by flat plains and small hills. It's surrounded by the Mekong River to the north and east. The area has several reservoirs like Nong Han Lake – which is one of the largest natural lakes in northeast Thailand.
The climate in Sakon Nakhon is tropical savanna with a lengthy dry season between November and April - making it suitable for solar power generation due to high levels of sunlight exposure throughout most of the year.
Large-scale solar PV installations require large tracts of relatively flat land that are not shaded by mountains or tall buildings. Considering these factors:
1) Unused agricultural lands: Given that much of Sakon Nakhon's economy revolves around agriculture (rice cultivation), any unused or fallow agricultural lands may be well-suited for large-scale solar PV installations.
2) Near Reservoirs: Areas near reservoirs like around Nong Han Lake could be potential sites as they are usually flat, open spaces with plenty sunlight.
3) Industrial Zones: Industrial zones or areas away from residential places can also be considered since they reduce potential conflicts related to land use and aesthetics.
However, it’s important to conduct a detailed site assessment considering other aspects such as local regulations, proximity to transmission lines or substations (for grid connectivity), environmental impacts before deciding on specific locations for large-scale solar PV projects.
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: Thursday 25th of April 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.
