Leutasch, Tyrol, Austria, situated at latitude 47.3652 and longitude 11.1456, presents a varied landscape for solar energy production throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this alpine region experiences distinct seasonal changes that significantly impact solar PV performance.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy potential in Leutasch fluctuates considerably across seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 5.61 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.57 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease to 3.04 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 1.70 kWh/day.

These figures highlight the substantial variation between seasons, with summer producing more than three times the energy of winter. The extended daylight hours and higher sun angle during summer months contribute to this peak performance.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Leutasch, Tyrol, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 41 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes energy capture across all seasons, balancing the lower winter sun with the higher summer sun path.

Environmental Considerations

Several environmental factors can impact solar production in Leutasch:

1. Snow accumulation in winter
2. Potential shading from surrounding mountains

Snow buildup on panels can significantly reduce winter output. To mitigate this, installers should consider steeper tilt angles for easier snow shedding and may recommend regular panel cleaning. Additionally, careful site selection to minimize mountain shading during peak production hours is crucial.

Conclusion

While Leutasch's location presents challenges, particularly in winter, it offers substantial solar potential, especially during spring and summer. With proper installation techniques and regular maintenance, solar PV systems can provide a valuable source of renewable energy for this Austrian community.

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 Leutasch

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 47.3652, Longitude: 11.1456 (Leutasch, 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 Leutasch, Austria

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Leutasch, Austria (Lat/Long 47.3652, 11.1456) 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 Leutasch, 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 Leutasch, 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	50° South in Autumn	61° 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 Leutasch, 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 Leutasch, 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 Leutasch, Austria

Leutasch, Austria, nestled in the heart of the Tyrolean Alps, boasts a dramatic and varied topography that is characteristic of Alpine regions. The town itself sits in a wide, relatively flat valley known as the Leutasch Valley, surrounded by towering mountain peaks. This valley, carved by glaciers and rivers over millennia, provides a stark contrast to the rugged terrain that encircles it. To the north and south of Leutasch, steep mountain slopes rise dramatically, creating a natural amphitheater effect. These mountains, part of the Wetterstein range, include notable peaks such as the Hohe Munde to the south and the Gehrenspitze to the north. The elevation changes rapidly from the valley floor, which sits at around 1,100 meters above sea level, to the surrounding peaks that reach heights of over 2,500 meters. The landscape is further sculpted by the Leutascher Ache, a river that meanders through the valley, creating small gorges and shaping the local terrain. Forests of pine and spruce cover much of the lower mountain slopes, giving way to alpine meadows at higher elevations.

Potential for Large-scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that might be suited for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors must be taken into account. The mountainous terrain presents challenges, but also opportunities for solar energy production. The valley floor around Leutasch offers the most immediate potential for solar PV installations. These relatively flat areas receive good sun exposure, particularly during the summer months. However, the surrounding mountains can cast shadows, especially during winter when the sun is lower in the sky, potentially reducing efficiency. South-facing slopes in the vicinity, particularly those with gentler gradients, could be excellent candidates for solar farms. These areas would benefit from increased sun exposure throughout the year. The meadows above the tree line, while more remote, could also be suitable locations as they face less obstruction from vegetation. It's worth noting that areas to the south of Leutasch, towards Seefeld, where the terrain opens up more, might offer better opportunities for large-scale installations. These areas have a bit more space and potentially fewer shadowing issues from the surrounding peaks. However, any large-scale solar PV project in this region would need to carefully balance energy production potential with environmental and aesthetic concerns, given the area's natural beauty and reliance on tourism. Additionally, the harsh Alpine climate, including heavy snowfall in winter, would present unique challenges for the construction and maintenance of solar installations in this mountainous region.

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.