Solar PV Analysis of Elbasan, Albania
The location at Elbasan, Albania is fairly good for generating energy via solar panels throughout the year. However, it's not perfect. The amount of electricity that can be produced varies quite a bit depending on the season.
In simple terms, you get the most bang for your buck in summer where each kilowatt of installed solar can produce about 7.48 kWh per day. Spring is also pretty good with an output of 5.24 kWh/day per kW of installed solar.
Autumn and winter see a significant drop in production to 3.46kWh/day and 2.06kWh/day respectively due to shorter daylight hours and lower sun angles.
To make sure you're getting as much power as possible from your solar panels all year round, they should be tilted at an angle of about 34 degrees facing southwards.
As for local factors that might affect solar production; weather conditions such as heavy snowfall or dust storms could potentially cover the panels reducing their efficiency or even damage them if severe enough.
One way to mitigate these risks would be by installing sturdy protective covers over the panels which can be removed when needed allowing sunlight to reach them while protecting against harsh weather conditions when necessary.
Also, regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial in maintaining maximum productivity especially after adverse weather events like dust storms or heavy snowfall where debris might accumulate on panel surfaces obstructing sunlight penetration.
Another factor that could impede optimal performance is shading from nearby buildings or trees which blocks direct sunlight falling onto panel surfaces; this issue can generally be mitigated by careful site selection ensuring minimal obstructions between panels and sun path across different seasons.
Finally, it's worth noting that despite seasonal variations in productivity, overall this location does provide decent potential for harnessing solar energy especially considering advancements in technology enabling more efficient utilization even under less than ideal conditions like those encountered during autumn/winter months.
Note: The Northern Temperate Zone extends from 35° latitude North up to 66.5° latitude.
So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 20 locations across Albania. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Albania by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Elbasan
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 41.1122, Longitude: 20.0818 (Elbasan, Albania), 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 34° South in Elbasan, Albania
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Elbasan, Albania (Lat/Long 41.1122, 20.0818) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 34° 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 Elbasan, Albania
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 Elbasan, Albania. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 34° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25° South in Summer | 45° South in Autumn | 55° South in Winter | 33° 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 Elbasan, Albania
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 Elbasan, Albania.
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 Elbasan, Albania
Elbasan, Albania is located in a valley surrounded by hills and mountains. The city itself sits at the foot of the Shpirag Mountain on both sides of the Shkumbin River. The region is characterized by its diverse topography with lowlands, hills and high mountainous areas.
The best places for large-scale solar PV installations would be in open flat areas that receive maximum sun exposure throughout the year. In Elbasan's case, potential suitable locations could include:
1) Lower elevated plains: Some parts of Elbasan are relatively flat which can potentially accommodate large solar panels.
2) South-facing slopes: Given that Albania is in the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing slopes receive more sunlight throughout the year making them ideal for solar power generation.
3) Unused land: Any unused or barren land with good sun exposure can also be considered for setting up solar PV systems.
However, it's important to consider factors like land ownership rights, proximity to power grid infrastructure and environmental impact before deciding on a location for largescale solar PV projects.
Lastly, it's worth noting that any decision about where to place such an installation should involve detailed site surveys and feasibility studies taking into account not just topography but also climatic conditions (like amount of sunshine), soil type and stability among other factors.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Sunday 24th of March 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.
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.
