Solar PV Analysis of Grein, Austria
The location of Grein, Upper Austria, Austria, situated at 48.2257°N, 14.8582°E, presents varying conditions for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar power systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer proves to be the most productive season for solar energy in Grein, Upper Austria, with an average daily output of 5.96 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, generating 4.42 kWh/day. Autumn sees a considerable decrease in production at 2.82 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 1.39 kWh/day.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the challenges of relying solely on solar power in this location year-round. However, the relatively strong performance during spring and summer months suggests that solar PV systems can still be valuable contributors to the local energy mix, particularly from March through September.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Grein, Upper Austria, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 41 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Several factors may impact solar production in Grein:
- Snow accumulation in winter can significantly reduce panel efficiency
- Fog and overcast conditions, common in the region, may decrease solar irradiance
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off and using anti-reflective coatings to improve performance in low-light conditions. Regular cleaning and maintenance of panels, especially after snowfall, can help maintain optimal energy production.
While Grein's location presents challenges for year-round solar energy production, the strong performance during summer and spring months makes solar PV a viable option for supplementing the local energy supply, particularly when combined with other renewable energy sources or energy storage systems to compensate for the lower winter output.
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 Grein
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 48.2257, Longitude: 14.8582 (Grein, 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 41° South in Grein, Austria
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Grein, Austria (Lat/Long 48.2257, 14.8582) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 41° 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 Grein, 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 Grein, Austria. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 41° 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 | 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 Grein, 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 Grein, 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 Grein, Austria
The area around Grein, Austria, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography typical of the Upper Austrian region. Grein is situated along the Danube River, which has carved a scenic valley through the landscape over millennia. The town itself lies on the northern bank of the Danube, nestled between the river and the surrounding hills.
The terrain in this area is generally hilly to mountainous, with steep slopes rising from the river valley. The hills are part of the Bohemian Massif, an ancient geological formation that extends across parts of Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic. These hills are often covered in dense forests, primarily consisting of deciduous and mixed woodland.
To the north and south of Grein, the land rises more dramatically, forming part of the Mühlviertel region to the north and the foothills of the Alps to the south. These areas feature a mix of forested hillsides, meadows, and small agricultural plots, creating a patchwork landscape typical of rural Austria.
Regarding large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas would likely be found in the more open, flatter regions near Grein. The valley floors and gentler slopes away from the immediate riverbanks could offer potential sites. Areas to the east and west of Grein, where the Danube valley widens slightly, might provide more suitable terrain for solar farms.
However, it's important to note that the hilly nature of the region and the prevalence of forests may limit the availability of large, uninterrupted spaces ideal for solar PV installations. The most promising locations would be on south-facing slopes or plateaus that receive ample sunlight throughout the day and are not heavily forested or used for agriculture.
Any development of large-scale solar projects in this area would need to carefully consider the balance between energy production and preserving the natural beauty and ecological value of this picturesque region. Local zoning laws, environmental regulations, and community preferences would also play a significant role in determining suitable locations for solar PV installations.
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: Saturday 20th of July 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.
