The location of Tak, Thailand, situated at 16.8732° N, 99.1276° E, presents a favorable environment for solar energy generation throughout the year. This tropical setting benefits from consistent sunlight, with seasons primarily characterized by wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature fluctuations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar PV systems in Tak demonstrate robust performance across all seasons. Spring emerges as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 6.13 kWh per kW of installed capacity. Winter follows closely behind at 5.67 kWh/day, while summer yields 5.51 kWh/day. Autumn, though slightly less productive, still maintains a respectable 4.88 kWh/day. These figures indicate that Tak's location is highly suitable for year-round solar energy production, with only minor fluctuations between seasons. The consistency in output suggests that solar installations in this area can provide reliable energy generation throughout the year.

Optimal Panel Positioning

For fixed solar panel installations in Tak, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 16 degrees facing South. This carefully calculated angle takes into account the location's latitude, the Earth's elliptical orbit, and daily solar elevation angles to ensure optimal exposure to sunlight throughout the year.

Environmental Considerations

While Tak's tropical climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider: 1. Rainfall: The region experiences a monsoon season, typically from May to October, which could temporarily reduce solar output due to cloud cover. 2. Dust and debris: The dry season may lead to increased dust accumulation on panels, potentially affecting their efficiency. To mitigate these issues, installing a robust cleaning system and scheduling regular maintenance can help maintain optimal panel performance. Additionally, utilizing weather-resistant solar equipment designed for tropical climates can enhance durability and longevity. In conclusion, Tak, Thailand, presents an excellent location for solar PV installations. With consistent year-round performance and only minor seasonal variations, the area offers great potential for sustainable energy production through solar power.

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 Tak

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 16.8732, Longitude: 99.1276 (Tak, 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 Tak, Thailand

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tak, Thailand (Lat/Long 16.8732, 99.1276) 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 Tak, 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 Tak, 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 Tak, 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 Tak, 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 Tak, Thailand

The topography surrounding Tak, Thailand, is characterized by a diverse landscape that includes both mountainous terrain and flat plains. The city of Tak is situated in a valley along the Ping River, with the Thanon Thong Chai mountain range to the west and the Phi Pan Nam range to the east. These mountain ranges create a picturesque backdrop for the region, with peaks reaching heights of over 1,000 meters above sea level. The area immediately surrounding Tak consists of gently rolling hills and fertile lowlands, which are primarily used for agriculture. Rice paddies and fruit orchards are common sights in the valleys and along the river banks. As you move further from the city center, the terrain becomes more rugged and forested, particularly towards the western border with Myanmar.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, the flat plains to the east and southeast of Tak present the most promising opportunities. These areas offer several advantages for solar energy development: Firstly, the relatively level terrain in these regions makes it easier and more cost-effective to install large arrays of solar panels. The lack of significant slopes or uneven ground reduces the need for extensive land preparation and allows for more efficient use of space. Secondly, these areas typically receive ample sunlight throughout the year, with fewer obstructions from mountains or dense forests that could cast shadows on the panels. The tropical climate of Thailand, with its long periods of sunshine, is generally favorable for solar energy production. Additionally, the agricultural lands in these flat areas may be suitable for dual-use solar farms, where solar panels are installed above crops, allowing for both energy production and continued farming activities. This approach could help maximize land use efficiency and provide additional income for local farmers. It's worth noting that while the mountainous regions to the west may have some potential for solar energy, the challenging terrain and potential environmental impacts make them less ideal for large-scale installations. However, smaller, distributed solar projects could still be feasible in these areas, particularly for remote communities that may have limited access to the main power grid. Before any large-scale solar PV project is undertaken, thorough environmental impact assessments and community consultations would be necessary to ensure that the development is sustainable and beneficial to the local population.

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.