Solar PV Analysis of Suphan Buri, Thailand
Suphan Buri, Thailand is a good location for generating solar energy all year round due to its tropical climate with consistent sunlight. The amount of electricity that can be produced from each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar power varies slightly by season but remains relatively high throughout the year. In summer, you can expect about 5.91 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day per kW of installed solar; in autumn, it's around 5.01 kWh/day; in winter, it's approximately 5.88 kWh/day; and in spring, it increases to around 6.03 kWh/day.
The best times for generating solar energy at this location are during the spring and summer when there is more sunlight available than other seasons.
For a fixed panel installation at this location, tilting panels at an angle of 14 degrees towards the south will maximize total yearly production from solar photovoltaic (PV) systems because this angle allows the panels to capture as much sunlight as possible over the course of the day.
However, there could be some local factors that might affect solar production here such as heavy rainfall or clouds during monsoon seasons which could block sunlight reaching your panels and reduce their efficiency. Also dust or dirt accumulation on PV modules can decrease their performance so regular cleaning might be necessary especially during dry seasons when dust levels may increase.
To ensure greater energy production despite these challenges: consider using durable materials that withstand heavy rainfalls if installing during monsoon season; have a plan for regular maintenance including cleaning panels to remove any accumulated dust or dirt; and consider installing tracking systems which allow your panels to track sun’s position across sky thereby maximizing exposure even on cloudy days.
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 Suphan Buri
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 14.576, Longitude: 100.0286 (Suphan Buri, 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 Suphan Buri, Thailand
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Suphan Buri, Thailand (Lat/Long 14.576, 100.0286) 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 Suphan Buri, 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 Suphan Buri, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2° 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 Suphan Buri, 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 Suphan Buri, 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 Suphan Buri, Thailand
Suphan Buri, Thailand is located in the central plains of the country. The topography of this region mainly consists of flat lowland areas with fertile alluvial soils, making it a major rice-growing area. There are also some small hills and plateaus scattered throughout the province.
For large-scale solar PV installations, flat open spaces with high sun exposure are ideal since they maximize sunlight capture and minimize shading issues. Therefore, the vast flatlands in Suphan Buri would be well-suited for such projects.
However, other factors should also be considered when determining suitability for solar PV installations:
1) Land use: Large-scale solar farms require significant land space which may compete with agricultural activities or natural habitats. Therefore, it's important to assess whether there are available lands that wouldn't disrupt these activities.
2) Proximity to grid infrastructure: Solar power needs to be transmitted through an electrical grid to reach consumers. Hence locations closer to existing power lines or substations would be more suitable.
3) Local climate: Although Suphan Buri has a tropical savanna climate with plenty of sunshine throughout the year which is good for solar energy production; heavy monsoon rains could potentially damage equipment or reduce productivity during certain periods.
4) Regulatory environment: Government policies on renewable energy can significantly influence project feasibility and profitability.
Therefore comprehensive studies including these aspects need to be conducted before deciding on specific locations for large-scale solar PV projects in Suphan Buri or any other regions.
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 3rd of May 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.
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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.
