Solar PV Analysis of Si Racha, Thailand
Si Racha, Chon Buri, Thailand, located in the tropics, is an excellent location for generating solar energy all year round. This is because it receives a consistent amount of sunlight throughout the year due to its tropical climate. The seasons here are more characterized by wet and dry periods rather than significant changes in temperature or sunlight.
The amount of electricity that can be produced from a kilowatt of installed solar panels varies slightly with each season but remains relatively high throughout the year: 5.91kWh/day in Summer, 5.02kWh/day in Autumn, 5.97kWh/day in Winter and 6.05kWh/day during Spring.
However, there are certain times during the year when solar energy production will be at its highest due to increased sunlight intensity and longer daylight hours - these typically coincide with Spring and Summer.
For fixed panel installations at this location, tilting them at an angle of 13 degrees towards South would maximize their exposure to the sun's rays and increase energy production over the course of a year.
There could potentially be some local factors that might affect solar production such as heavy rainfall during monsoon seasons which may lower output temporarily due to cloud cover blocking sunlight reaching panels or dust accumulation on panels reducing their efficiency over time if not regularly cleaned.
To counter these potential issues, it's important to ensure regular maintenance checks are carried out on your solar system including cleaning any debris off your panels regularly especially after heavy storms or winds which can carry dust particles onto them; installing systems with robust weatherproofing features that can withstand local weather conditions; possibly considering adjustable mounting systems so panel angles can be changed according to seasonal variations for maximum efficiency if feasible economically for you; ensuring adequate spacing between installations so they don't shade each other out thereby reducing overall system performance; finally using good quality equipment known for durability & reliability will help ensure longevity & optimal performance over time.
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 Si Racha
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 13.1752, Longitude: 100.9246 (Si Racha, 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 Si Racha, Thailand
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Si Racha, Thailand (Lat/Long 13.1752, 100.9246) 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 Si Racha, 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 Si Racha, 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 | 19° 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 Si Racha, 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 Si Racha, 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 Si Racha, Thailand
Si Racha, Thailand is located on the eastern coast of the country and is marked by a combination of flat plains, rolling hills, and coastal areas. The region's topography is generally smooth with some elevations due to hills. It has an extensive coastline along the Gulf of Thailand.
For large-scale solar PV installations, flat or gently sloping lands are usually preferred as they require less groundwork and are easier for installation. Considering this, the following nearby areas could be suitable:
1. Flat Plains: The plains in and around Si Racha would be ideal for large-scale solar PV installations due to their flatness which allows easy installation and optimal sunlight exposure.
2. Coastal Areas: While coastal regions can sometimes face issues with corrosion from saltwater air, they also often have good sun exposure making them potential sites for solar farms if appropriate protective measures are taken.
3. Agricultural Lands: If local regulations permit it, setting up a solar farm on less fertile agricultural land could be another option.
4. Industrial Zones: Si Racha has several industrial zones like Amata City Industrial Estate that might have unused space suitable for installing large scale solar panels without disturbing natural or residential landscapes.
It's important to note that factors such as sun exposure (solar irradiance), local weather patterns (like monsoon season), connection to grid infrastructure, environmental impact assessments etc., should also be considered when choosing locations for large-scale solar installations.
In terms of specific sites within these categories you would need a detailed survey or satellite imagery analysis combined with data on local regulations and infrastructural considerations.
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 5th 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.
