The location at Gattendorf, Burgenland, Austria, situated at 48.0187° latitude and 16.986° longitude, presents varying levels of suitability for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar output, which directly impacts the efficiency of solar installations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Gattendorf, Burgenland, with an impressive daily output of 6.37 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 4.49 kWh/day. Autumn sees a considerable drop in production to 2.80 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at just 1.23 kWh/day.

These figures highlight the stark contrast between summer and winter production, with summer generating more than five times the energy of winter days. This variation emphasizes the importance of efficient energy storage solutions to balance supply throughout the year.

Optimal Panel Positioning

For fixed panel installations in Gattendorf, Burgenland, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 40 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight across all seasons, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental Considerations

While Gattendorf doesn't face extreme environmental challenges, there are factors that could impact solar production:

1. Snow accumulation in winter: Heavy snowfall can temporarily reduce panel efficiency. Installing panels at the recommended 40-degree angle helps shed snow more easily.
2. Fog and overcast days: The region may experience foggy conditions, particularly in autumn and winter. While unavoidable, using high-efficiency panels can help mitigate production losses during these periods.

To maximize energy production, regular panel cleaning is essential, especially after snowfall or during periods of high pollen count. Additionally, implementing a smart inverter system can help optimize performance during varying weather conditions.

In conclusion, while Gattendorf's location presents challenges, particularly in winter, it offers excellent potential for solar energy generation during spring and summer months. With proper installation techniques and maintenance, solar PV systems can provide a significant contribution to the area's renewable energy mix.

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 124 locations across Austria. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Austria by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Gattendorf

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 48.0187, Longitude: 16.986 (Gattendorf, Austria), 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 40° South in Gattendorf, Austria

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Gattendorf, Austria (Lat/Long 48.0187, 16.986) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 40° 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 Gattendorf, Austria

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 Gattendorf, Austria. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 40° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
31° South in Summer	51° South in Autumn	62° South in Winter	40° 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 Gattendorf, Austria

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 Gattendorf, Austria.

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 Gattendorf, Austria

The topography around Gattendorf, Austria, is characterized by gently rolling plains and low hills typical of the eastern Austrian landscape. Situated in the Burgenland region, this area is part of the Pannonian Basin, which extends across parts of Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia. The terrain is predominantly flat to slightly undulating, with elevations ranging from approximately 130 to 180 meters above sea level. The surrounding landscape is a mix of agricultural fields, small patches of forest, and scattered settlements. The nearby Leitha River valley adds some subtle variations to the otherwise relatively uniform terrain. To the west, the land gradually rises towards the foothills of the Alps, while to the east, it remains largely flat as it extends into Hungary.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

Given the topographical characteristics of the region around Gattendorf, several nearby areas could be well-suited for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The most promising locations would be the expansive agricultural fields that dominate the landscape. These areas offer several advantages for solar PV development: Firstly, the flat or gently sloping terrain reduces the need for extensive land preparation, making installation easier and more cost-effective. The open nature of these fields also minimizes shading from natural features or structures, allowing for optimal sun exposure throughout the day. Secondly, the agricultural areas often have existing road access, which is crucial for the construction and maintenance of solar facilities. The presence of nearby settlements also suggests that grid connection infrastructure may be readily available or easier to establish. The regions to the east and southeast of Gattendorf, extending towards the Hungarian border, might be particularly suitable due to their flatter terrain and larger, uninterrupted stretches of open land. These areas would likely offer the space required for utility-scale solar projects without significant topographical challenges. However, it's important to note that while the topography is favorable, other factors such as local land use regulations, environmental considerations, and grid capacity would need to be thoroughly assessed before determining the final suitability of any specific site for large-scale solar PV development.

Austria solar PV Stats as a country

Austria ranks 28th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 2,692 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 3.40% of Austria's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 25th in the world). Each year Austria is generating 302 Watts from solar PV per capita (Austria ranks 14th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Austria?

Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Austria. The Austrian government offers a range of financial support measures, including grants and loans, as well as tax breaks and other incentives. Additionally, the Austrian Energy Agency (AEA) provides information on funding opportunities for renewable energy projects. Furthermore, businesses can benefit from the Feed-in Tariff (FiT), which guarantees a fixed price for electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar energy.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Austria? 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.