Si Sa Ket, Thailand, located at 15.121°N, 104.3179°E, presents a favorable environment for solar energy generation throughout the year. This tropical location benefits from consistent sunlight and seasonal patterns primarily characterized by wet and dry periods rather than traditional four-season cycles.

Solar Energy Potential

The solar energy output at Si Sa Ket demonstrates relatively stable production across all seasons. Summer yields the highest output at 6.12 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely with 6.07 kWh/day, while winter produces 5.93 kWh/day. Autumn experiences a slight dip but still maintains a respectable 5.07 kWh/day. These figures indicate that Si Sa Ket is well-suited for year-round solar energy production. The consistency in output across seasons is particularly advantageous, as it allows for more reliable energy planning and reduced reliance on supplementary power sources.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Si Sa Ket, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 14 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize solar capture throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Peak Production Periods

While solar energy generation remains relatively consistent year-round, the summer months offer the highest potential for energy production. This period typically coincides with the dry season in Thailand, which runs from November to April. During these months, clearer skies and reduced cloud cover contribute to increased solar irradiance, boosting overall energy output.

Environmental Considerations

Despite the generally favorable conditions, there are some environmental factors that could potentially impact solar production in Si Sa Ket: 1. Monsoon season: The wet season, typically from May to October, may bring increased cloud cover and rainfall, potentially reducing solar output. To mitigate this, consider using high-efficiency panels that perform well in diffuse light conditions. 2. Dust and agricultural activities: Si Sa Ket is an agricultural region, which may lead to increased dust in the air. Regular cleaning of solar panels is crucial to maintain optimal performance. 3. High humidity: The tropical climate means high humidity levels, which can lead to condensation on panels. Using panels with good anti-reflective and hydrophobic coatings can help maintain efficiency. By addressing these factors during installation and maintenance, solar energy systems in Si Sa Ket can capitalize on the location's excellent solar potential, providing a reliable and sustainable source of electricity 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 Si Sa Ket

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 15.121, Longitude: 104.3179 (Si Sa Ket, 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 14° South in Si Sa Ket, Thailand

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Si Sa Ket, Thailand (Lat/Long 15.121, 104.3179) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 14° 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 Sa Ket, 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 Sa Ket, Thailand. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 14° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
1° North in Summer	21° South in Autumn	30° South in Winter	8° 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 Sa Ket, 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 Sa Ket, 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 Si Sa Ket, Thailand

Si Sa Ket, located in northeastern Thailand, is characterized by a predominantly flat landscape with some gently rolling hills. The region is part of the Khorat Plateau, a vast area of relatively low-lying terrain that covers much of northeastern Thailand. The topography around Si Sa Ket is largely shaped by the Mun River and its tributaries, which have created a network of fertile floodplains and low-lying areas. The terrain in and around Si Sa Ket is generally flat to slightly undulating, with elevations ranging from about 100 to 200 meters above sea level. The area is dotted with small hills and occasional rocky outcrops, but these are not particularly prominent features in the landscape. The region's topography has been influenced by centuries of agricultural activity, resulting in a patchwork of rice paddies, farmlands, and scattered woodlands.

Suitable Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

The topography and climate of the Si Sa Ket region make it potentially suitable for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The relatively flat terrain and abundance of open spaces provide ideal conditions for the deployment of solar panels. Several areas in the vicinity of Si Sa Ket could be well-suited for such projects: Agricultural lands: The expansive agricultural areas surrounding Si Sa Ket, particularly those with less productive soil or prone to drought, could be repurposed for solar farms. These areas often have good road access and are already cleared of vegetation, reducing installation costs. Unused or degraded land: There are pockets of unused or degraded land in the region that could be utilized for solar PV installations without impacting productive agricultural areas or natural habitats. Areas near existing power infrastructure: Locations close to power substations or transmission lines would be advantageous for connecting large-scale solar projects to the grid. This could include areas on the outskirts of Si Sa Ket city or near other towns in the province. Elevated areas: While not abundant, the slightly elevated areas or gentle slopes in the region could be suitable for solar farms, as they may receive more consistent sunlight throughout the day and are less prone to flooding. It's important to note that while the topography is generally favorable for solar PV development, other factors such as land ownership, environmental considerations, and grid capacity would need to be carefully evaluated when selecting specific sites for large-scale solar projects in the Si Sa Ket 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.