Hanoi, Vietnam (latitude: 21.0313, longitude: 105.8516) is a suitable location for solar PV installations due to its consistent sunlight exposure throughout the year. The average daily energy production per kW of installed solar capacity varies by season, with 5.82 kWh/day in Summer, 3.97 kWh/day in Autumn, 3.02 kWh/day in Winter, and 3.97 kWh/day in Spring.
The higher energy production during Summer months can be attributed to longer daylight hours and increased sunlight intensity compared to other seasons. While weather conditions such as rain or cloud cover may temporarily affect solar generation on certain days, these factors do not significantly impact overall annual output levels because Hanoi's tropical climate ensures consistent sunshine all year round.
In this region, wet and dry seasons are more prominent than distinct temperature variations across the four traditional seasons; however, this does not pose a significant challenge to solar power generation.
For optimal performance of fixed-panel installations at this location, it is recommended that panels be tilted at an angle of 17 degrees facing southward. This orientation maximizes exposure to sunlight throughout the day and across different seasons.
It is important to consider local environmental factors when installing solar panels in Hanoi. For instance, dust accumulation on panel surfaces can reduce their efficiency over time; therefore regular cleaning should be scheduled as part of maintenance routines.
Additionally, shading from nearby buildings or trees could obstruct sunlight reaching the panels; thus careful site selection and potential trimming or removal of obstructions might be necessary during installation planning stages.
Overall, Hanoi's consistent sunshine makes it a favorable location for generating solar power year-round with proper installation techniques and maintenance practices ensuring maximum energy production despite any minor challenges posed by local environmental factors.
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 160 locations across Vietnam. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Vietnam by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Hanoi
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 21.0313, Longitude: 105.8516 (Hanoi, Vietnam), 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 17° South in Hanoi, Vietnam
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Hanoi, Vietnam (Lat/Long 21.0313, 105.8516) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 17° 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 Hanoi, Vietnam
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 Hanoi, Vietnam. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 17° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5° South in Summer | 26° South in Autumn | 37° South in Winter | 13° 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 Hanoi, Vietnam
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 Hanoi, Vietnam.
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 Hanoi, Vietnam
The topography around Hanoi, Vietnam is generally flat with some rolling hills. Areas to the east and west of the city appear to be most suitable for large-scale solar PV installations due to their flat terrain and lack of significant obstructions such as trees or buildings. The nearby provinces of Bac Ninh, Thai Binh, Hung Yen, and Vinh Phuc all have relatively low population densities which would make them ideal locations for large-scale solar projects. Additionally, these areas are close enough to Hanoi that they could easily be connected to the city's energy grid.
Vietnam solar PV Stats as a country
Vietnam ranks 9th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 16,660 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Vietnam is generating 171 Watts from solar PV per capita (Vietnam ranks 30th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Vietnam?
Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Vietnam. The government has implemented a number of policies and programs to encourage the development of renewable energy sources, including solar energy. These include tax exemptions, preferential loans, and feed-in tariffs for electricity generated from solar power plants. Additionally, the government has established a Renewable Energy Development Fund to provide financial support for projects related to renewable energy sources such as solar power.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Vietnam? 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: Wednesday 10th of August 2022
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.




