Solar PV Analysis of Lenzing, Austria
Lenzing, Upper Austria, Austria, situated at 47.9715° N, 13.6136° E, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this region experiences distinct seasonal variations that significantly impact solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Output
The solar energy potential in Lenzing varies considerably across seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.79 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, yielding 4.34 kWh/day. Autumn sees a notable decrease to 3.08 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 1.74 kWh/day.
These figures highlight the substantial fluctuations in solar energy generation throughout the year. The peak production during summer months makes this season ideal for maximizing solar energy output. Spring and autumn offer moderate potential, while winter presents significant challenges due to shorter days and less direct sunlight.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Lenzing, Upper Austria, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 41 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun paths.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Several factors can potentially impact solar energy production in Lenzing:
- Snow accumulation in winter: Heavy snowfall can cover solar panels, reducing their efficiency. Regular panel cleaning or installing panels at a steeper angle can help mitigate this issue.
- Cloud cover: The region experiences frequent cloud cover, especially in autumn and winter, which can diminish solar output. Using high-efficiency panels can help maximize energy production even in low-light conditions.
- Temperature variations: While cooler temperatures can actually improve panel efficiency, extreme cold can affect system components. Proper insulation of electrical components is crucial.
To enhance solar energy production in Lenzing, Upper Austria, consider implementing dual-axis tracking systems to follow the sun's path, using anti-reflective coatings on panels to improve light absorption, and regularly maintaining the system to ensure optimal performance. Despite the challenges, particularly in winter, Lenzing's location still offers substantial potential for solar energy generation, especially during the longer, sunnier days of spring and summer.
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 Lenzing
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.9715, Longitude: 13.6136 (Lenzing, 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 Lenzing, Austria
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Lenzing, Austria (Lat/Long 47.9715, 13.6136) 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 Lenzing, 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 Lenzing, 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 | 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 Lenzing, 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 Lenzing, 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 Lenzing, Austria
The area around Lenzing, Austria, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography typical of the Alpine foothills. Situated in the Salzkammergut region, Lenzing is nestled in a valley surrounded by gently rolling hills and more pronounced mountains in the distance. The landscape is a mix of lush forests, open meadows, and agricultural fields.
To the north and east of Lenzing, the terrain is relatively flat, with the Ager River flowing through the valley. This area gradually rises into low hills as you move further away from the town. To the south and west, the landscape becomes more mountainous, with the foothills of the Alps beginning to assert themselves. The nearby Attersee, a large lake to the southwest, adds to the region's scenic beauty and influences the local topography.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would be:
- The flatter areas to the north and east of Lenzing, where the land is more open and receives less shadowing from nearby hills or mountains. These areas likely include some agricultural land that could potentially be repurposed for solar farms.
- South-facing slopes on the gentler hills surrounding Lenzing. These locations would receive more direct sunlight throughout the day, increasing the efficiency of solar panels.
- Any large, open spaces that are not heavily forested or used for high-value agriculture. These might include former industrial sites or less productive farmland.
It's important to note that while the region around Lenzing has potential for solar PV, it may not be as ideal as some other parts of Austria or Europe. The area's proximity to the Alps means it can experience more cloudy and rainy days compared to regions further north or south. Additionally, the varied topography and forested areas could create challenges in finding large, contiguous spaces for extensive solar farms.
Any large-scale solar PV project in this area would need to carefully balance energy production goals with environmental conservation and land use considerations, given the region's natural beauty and tourism value.
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: Tuesday 13th 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.
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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.
