Analysis of effects on solar energy generation due to mountain shadow on Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology, Sikkim using Shadowmap 3D GIS mapping tool

The research focuses on the mountain shadow effect and its impact on solar power generation at Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology which is located at a geographically low-altitude valley region of the Northeastern Himalayan region of Sikkim. A comprehensive investigation was undertaken to analyse the average daily solar power insolation received over a span of 52 weeks. The research was conducted utilizing a 3D Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping tool Shadowmap. Solar radiation between periods of direct sunshine and shaded periods over 52 weeks were observed in order to determine the effective insolation received by the area. The study also assessed the weekly variation in altitude and azimuth angles experienced by the region. The data obtained for insolation revealed an annual average decrease of 15 percent as a result of the shadowing phenomenon. The effective altitude and azimuth angle sweep range also experienced maximum reduction of up to 13.5 and 10 percent respectively.