Solar PV Analysis of Gerasdorf Bei Wien, Austria
Gerasdorf bei Wien, Austria, situated at latitude 48.2924 and longitude 16.4706, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive daily output of 6.42kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 4.55kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn, with 2.87kWh/day, and reaches its lowest point in winter, producing only 1.29kWh/day.
These figures highlight that the location is most ideal for solar energy generation from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy production. Conversely, the winter months present challenges due to shorter days and lower sun angles, resulting in significantly reduced output.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production at this location, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 40 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the site's specific latitude.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Gerasdorf bei Wien doesn't face extreme environmental challenges, there are some factors that could impact solar production:
- Snow accumulation in winter: This can temporarily reduce panel efficiency. Regular panel cleaning or the installation of snow guards can mitigate this issue.
- Cloudy days: The region experiences a fair number of overcast days, particularly in autumn and winter. Using high-efficiency panels can help maximize energy capture even in diffuse light conditions.
To enhance solar production, consider implementing a tracking system to follow the sun's path, although this comes with additional costs. Additionally, regular maintenance, including cleaning and inspections, can help ensure optimal performance year-round.
In conclusion, while Gerasdorf bei Wien is not an ideal location for year-round solar energy production due to significant seasonal variations, it still offers good potential, especially during the warmer months. With proper installation techniques and maintenance, solar PV can be a viable renewable energy option for this Austrian locale.
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 Gerasdorf Bei Wien
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 48.2924, Longitude: 16.4706 (Gerasdorf Bei Wien, 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 Gerasdorf Bei Wien, Austria
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Gerasdorf Bei Wien, Austria (Lat/Long 48.2924, 16.4706) 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 Gerasdorf Bei Wien, 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 Gerasdorf Bei Wien, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32° South in Summer | 51° South in Autumn | 62° South in Winter | 41° 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 Gerasdorf Bei Wien, 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 Gerasdorf Bei Wien, Austria.
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 Gerasdorf Bei Wien, Austria
The area around Gerasdorf bei Wien, Austria, is characterized by a mix of gently rolling hills and flat plains. This region is part of the Vienna Basin, which is a lowland area situated between the Eastern Alps and the Carpathian Mountains. The landscape is primarily composed of agricultural fields, small patches of forest, and suburban developments.
To the west of Gerasdorf bei Wien, the terrain gradually rises towards the foothills of the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald), creating a slightly more undulating topography. To the east and north, the land remains relatively flat, extending into the Marchfeld plain, which is known for its fertile soil and extensive farming activities.
The elevation in this area typically ranges from about 160 to 200 meters above sea level, with only minor variations across the immediate vicinity of Gerasdorf bei Wien. The region also features some small streams and artificial water bodies, but there are no major rivers or lakes in the immediate area.
Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Gerasdorf bei Wien, several factors come into play. The most suitable areas would likely be:
1. The flat agricultural lands to the east and north of Gerasdorf bei Wien, extending into the Marchfeld plain. These areas offer vast, open spaces with minimal shading from natural features or buildings. The flat terrain would simplify installation and maintenance of solar panels.
2. Gently sloping hillsides to the west, facing south or southeast. While these areas may require some terrain modification, they could potentially capture more sunlight throughout the day due to their orientation.
3. Former industrial sites or brownfields in the broader region around Vienna. These areas often have large, open spaces and existing infrastructure that could be repurposed for solar installations.
It's important to note that while these areas may be topographically suitable, other factors such as local regulations, grid connectivity, and environmental considerations would also need to be taken into account when planning large-scale solar PV projects. Additionally, the use of agricultural land for solar installations may face resistance due to the region's importance for food production.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 15th of August 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.
